Anti discrimination movement: BNP urges nation to support students
Staff Reporter :
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Saturday called on citizens to support the students leading the ongoing anti-discrimination movement.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir urged the public to stand with the students, asserting that their involvement is crucial for the movement’s success.
“We have long encouraged young people to rise, and they have finally done so. This gives us hope, as no movement can be defeated when the youth and students are mobilised,” Mirza Fakhrul said while speaking with journalists after visiting the families of imprisoned BNP leaders Nazrul Islam Khan and Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury in the capital.
Mirza Fakhrul emphasised that the movement represents a widespread awakening. “A mass uprising has begun in the country, with people from all walks of life joining the students’ anti-discrimination efforts,” he noted.
The BNP leader observed that the movement now extends beyond students, with participation from guardians, doctors, professionals, artists, cultural activists, journalists, and others. “This movement has transcended student participation. People from various professions are joining in, overcoming their fears,” he added.
Mirza Fakhrul expressed confidence in the movement’s success, stating, “The ongoing student-led movement is on the brink of victory. I firmly believe that the people will ultimately prevail.”
He urged BNP leaders and activists across the country to offer their full support to the protesting students. “The brutality and oppression of this regime, which has resulted in the deaths of students and innocent people, is beyond description,” he said.
The BNP leader alleged that the government has caused the deaths of several hundred students. “Media reports indicate that 59 people were buried in a mass grave. The public is shocked by such incidents,” Mirza Fakhrul claimed.
He compared the current government’s actions to the brutality of Pakistani occupation forces, stating, “The Awami League government is surpassing even their brutality. It is unthinkable.”
Mirza Fakhrul reiterated the BNP’s support for the student movement from its inception, asserting that the party will continue to offer both support and cooperation. “We want to make it clear that we will provide not only support but also full cooperation to the students during this movement,” he said.
He explained that his visit to the families of Nazrul Islam Khan and Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury was partly to address concerns about the conditions faced by political prisoners. “We are receiving reports that all political prisoners arrested over a month ago, including Nazrul and Khosru, are enduring inhumane conditions,” Mirza Fakhrul stated.
He alleged that family members are unable to communicate with the senior BNP leaders or provide them with necessary supplies, including essential medications. “It appears they are completely isolated. This situation is unacceptable and violates prison regulations,” he said.
Mirza Fakhrul called on the authorities to halt these inhumane practices. “You have committed such actions in the past. Please, do not continue them now,” he urged.