Staff Reporter :
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called upon the interim government to move toward elections without unnecessary delay.
“It seems that the situation is getting more complicated as days go by. Those who do not believe in democracy and a society free from exploitation are regrouping,” he said.
The BNP leader made these remarks on Saturday, at a discussion event held at the National Press Club auditorium, marking the anniversary of the July-August Uprising. The event, titled “The Aspiration of the Uprising and the Path to Democratic Transition in the Country,” was organized by the Ganatantra Mancha (Democracy Platform). The platform comprises the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), Nagorik Oikya, Biplobi (Revolutionary) Workers Party, Ganosamhati Andolon, Bhasani Anusari Parishad, and Rashtra Sangskar Andolon.
The BNP Secretary General said, “We urge the government to stop wasting time and identify the problems. Engage in dialogue with political parties, resolve the issues, and then move toward elections. That is perhaps the only way forward.”
Referring to the opportunity for establishing a new democratic system in Bangladesh following the mass uprising of August 5, he said, “However, it appears that the situation is becoming increasingly complex. Those who do not believe in democracy, people’s progress, or the politics of building an exploitation-free society are once again forming alliances. The fascist forces we once managed to oust are quietly reorganizing and plotting to regain power.”
Expressing concern over the sharp rise in mob rule, killings, muggings, and enforced disappearances, Mirza Fakhrul said, “If we lose the opportunity currently before us, Bangladesh will fall further behind. Every time, our people and our youth sacrifice their lives to create an opening, but due to our own irresponsibility, we miss that opportunity – this cannot be allowed to continue.”
He emphasized that the country’s welfare depends on moving quickly and decisively on three fronts – reform, the July Declaration, and elections.
He asserted, “Undoubtedly, this responsibility lies with the interim government. But the more they delay, the more the situation becomes murkier. Those who oppose uprisings and are against Bangladesh are regrouping and beginning to work to destroy democracy.”
“We are hopeful,” he added, “that the leader of our interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, will be able to unite the entire nation and guide us toward our goal.”
Describing BNP as a democratic party, Mirza Fakhrul said, “We want to form a welfare state by assuming responsibility for governance through elections. Just as we have overcome every obstacle in the past, no barrier will be able to stop us in the coming days either.”
He said, “1971 and the spirit of independence are our core principles. On these, there is no compromise. Likewise, there can be no compromise on democratic governance. Through dialogue, tolerance, and respecting differing views, we believe we can reach a place where a new democratic system can be firmly established.”
At the event, other participants included Zonayed Saki, Chief Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon; Nurul Haque Nur, President of Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP); Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP); and Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party.
