Staff Reporter :
The BNP on Saturday called for unity among the political parties against revival of fascist Awami League in the country.
“All democratic political parties should maintain unity, rising above narrow political interests, to resist the revival of Awami fascism in our country,” BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan said while addressing a memorial discussion meeting in the capital.
Nazrul Islam also called upon the government to fulfill its duty of restoring democracy through elected public representatives as soon as possible.
He also said those who have oppressed the people of the country over the past 16 years have neither expressed regret nor shown remorse, and they continue to work to harm the nation.
“We must remain aware and united, with our goals steadfast. Unfortunately, it seems we have not learned our lesson despite facing so much repression and suppression,” the BNP leader said.
Nazrul, a BNP standing committee member, also lamented that one pro-democratic party is making derogatory comments about another solely for narrow political interests, which serves no purpose.
“The countrymen could oust autocracy and fascism with the mass unity we have forged. If this unity is compromised in any way, that fascism and autocracy will revive, and none of us will be spared. That’s why we must not jeopardise our unity,” the BNP leader said.
Nazrul Islam said their party aims to collaborate with all forces-right, left, moderate, and Islamic-to build the country and ensure the welfare of its people. “We want to ensure that the people of this country are never again subjected to fascism and repression. We also advocate for freedom of the press, but not its abuse.”
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam arranged the progarmme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in memory of its former leader and ex-MP Mufti Mohammad Wakkas. Later, the party’s national council was also held at the venue.
Nazrul Islam Khan warned that the cohorts of the autocratic regime are making various efforts to create division among democratic forces. “We must resist all such evil efforts.”
The BNP leader stated that their party aims to assist the current interim government in properly fulfilling its specific responsibilities, such as restoring democracy following the fall of autocracy.
“Democracy means governing the country through the elected representatives of the people. While fascism has been removed, democracy has yet to be restored. The government has the responsibility to restore it. We hope they will do it correctly and as soon as possible,” he said.