Sylhet: BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today emphasized the significance of the upcoming national election, stating it is crucial not only for his party but for the entire nation, as people have regained their voting rights after a prolonged period of deprivation. “The next election is vital not only for the BNP but for the whole nation. People were deprived of their voting rights for a long time, and now they have regained that right,” he remarked while interacting with journalists at a city hotel in the Osmani Airport area this evening.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, earlier in the day, Mirza Fakhrul arrived in Sylhet on a personal visit and paid homage at the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (R) and Hazrat Shah Paran (R). The BNP Secretary General announced that the party intends to form a national government with partners of the simultaneous movement if it assumes power through the upcoming election, clarifying it would not be an all-party government.
Addressing questions about the election, Mirza Fakhrul expressed no apprehension from the BNP, stating the party has been advocating for an election from the outset. “We are hopeful about the election. The process is moving forward, and with the cooperation of all concerned, the Election Commission will be able to conduct it successfully,” he asserted.
Referring to the death of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, Mirza Fakhrul noted that she departed with dignity through her lifelong democratic struggle and voiced optimism about building a democratic Bangladesh as envisioned by her. He disclosed that Tarique Rahman would be appointed as the party’s Chairperson within the next few days, following Khaleda Zia’s passing.
Recalling the sacrifices made by the party over the last 15-16 years, he highlighted that nearly six million BNP leaders and activists faced false charges, about 20,000 were killed, and around 1,500, including Sylhet leader Ilias Ali, were forcibly disappeared. He described a reign of terror that had prevailed nationwide, depriving people of their rights through fear and intimidation, adding that fascist forces were ultimately forced to flee following the July mass uprising.
Mirza Fakhrul noted that the election announcement has sparked hope, despite uncertainties raised in sections of the media. He mentioned that nomination scrutiny has been completed and campaigning will commence after the allocation of electoral symbols. Reiterating the election’s importance for the nation, he emphasized that democracy requires forming a parliament through elections and establishing a parliamentary government to ensure good governance and democratic practice.
He further stated that BNP would restart its election campaign from Sylhet and urged all political parties to seize this opportunity, noting, “Democracy is not built in a day, nor does democratic culture develop overnight.”
The event saw the presence of BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council members Dr Mohammad Enamul Haque Chowdhury, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, and MA Malik; BNP Assistant Organising Secretary for Sylhet Miftah Siddiquee; Sylhet district BNP President Abdul Qaiyum Chowdhury; General Secretary Imran Ahmed Chowdhury; Sylhet Metropolitan BNP Acting President Rezaul Hasan Qayes Lodi; and General Secretary Emdad Hossain Chowdhury, among others.