Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today stated that the people of Bangladesh are united in protecting the country’s national security. Speaking at a discussion organized by the Foundation for Strategic and Development Studies (FSDS) at a hotel in Gulshan, he emphasized the collective commitment of the nation towards safeguarding its security interests.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Mirza Fakhrul addressed concerns about perceived divisions within the country, asserting that there is no real division among the people. While acknowledging that political parties may have differences of opinion and approach, he maintained that these are normal. He highlighted historical instances, such as the language movement in 1952, the mass uprising in 1969, the election of 1970, and the Liberation War in 1971, where the people of Bangladesh have demonstrated unity in defending their national interests.
Mirza Fakhrul stressed the importance of empowering the people and ensuring their sovereignty to guarantee national security. He remarked on the challenges faced in practicing democracy and called for strengthening democratic institutions to secure national interests and address other issues effectively. The BNP Secretary General expressed optimism about the future, noting that through debate and discussion, the people of Bangladesh are moving towards building a stronger democratic framework.
He concluded by emphasizing the role of voting in establishing a democratic state system where people can express their opinions. The discussion was attended by prominent political figures and scholars, including BNP Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Election Reform Commission head Badiul Alam Majumder, and former Army Chief Lieutenant General Nur Uddin Khan (retd), among others. FSDS President Major General (retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar chaired the event.