Staff Reporter :
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said no government will be stronger then the elected one.
He urged party members to prepare for the next general elections urging, “Go to the people. Let them understand that there’s no alternative to the BNP.”Speaking as the Chief Guest at a prayer and discussion event held at a community center in Sylhet, Mirza Fakhrul said, “No government can be stronger than one elected by the people. The more the election is delayed, the more the country will fall behind.”
The program was organized by UK BNP President and BNP Chairperson’s advisor MA Malik, in cooperation with Sylhet district and metropolitan BNP units. Mirza Fakhrul remembered Sylhet’s prominent past BNP leaders-Saifur Rahman and the disappeared Elias Ali-as well as those martyred during the July-August uprisings.
He emphasized, “If the election is delayed, investments will dry up, women will feel unsafe, the judicial system will collapse, and law and order will deteriorate. We need a government elected by the people.”
The BNP Secretary General also thanked Interim Government Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus for fixing an election timeframe-by February 26-after meeting Tarique Rahman in London.
Highlighting Sylhet’s spiritual significance, Fakhrul recalled the legacy of Hazrat Shahjalal and Shah Paran, saying, “This is our sacred land. Tarique Rahman’s in-laws are from here. We find peace coming here.”
Referring to the downfall of Sheikh Hasina, Fakhrul said, “She didn’t flee by accident-it was the result of sacrifice, blood, and resistance. We’ve fought for democracy. We want to build a country where people can speak freely, where women are safe, youth have job opportunities, and all have access to healthcare. Our struggle continues under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. Even in illness, Khaleda Zia continues to guide us.”
He accused the former Prime Minister Hasina of stifling democracy, banning newspapers, and violating basic rights. “President Ziaur Rahman introduced multiparty democracy and gave the people a new chance.”
“We are the party that declared independence. We want a democratic, developed Bangladesh with employment opportunities. That’s why we’ve put forward our 31-point agenda,” he said, adding, “Let no one accuse us of extortion or land grabbing. Victory is certain, In Sha Allah.”
Fakhrul concluded, “In the same place where Khaleda Zia held her rally in Sylhet, we will return with Tarique Rahman.”
BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas claimed that some groups are plotting to delay the election and stay in power without a vote. “Seventeen years of struggle brought down Hasina, but her loyalists remain embedded across the administration, from the secretariat to the unions. They don’t want fair elections or democracy to return.”
He added, “Many government officials now express doubts about holding elections. But the BNP, with the people, will force elections.”
Abbas blamed the Awami League for Khaleda Zia’s ill health, alleging she was poisoned and denied medical treatment abroad. “Her sickness is not natural-it’s part of a plot to undermine our sovereignty.”
Criticizing the push for Proportional Representation (PR) elections, he said, “The people of Bangladesh don’t understand PR. They’re used to direct voting. The election must follow familiar methods.”
Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku honored those martyred between 2014 and 2024 and warned of ongoing conspiracies. “We’ve removed Hasina, but not the conspirators. Some parties that once opposed the liberation war now speak differently every day. They don’t want free elections.”
He cautioned that the Awami League may still manipulate situations with illicit funds. “We must stay alert to foil their plans.”
BNP leader Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain added, “No one but Allah can stop BNP. We are the people’s party. Awami League is a party of oppression-they once abolished democracy through BAKSAL.”
UK BNP President MA Malik, who chaired the event, praised expatriate BNP activists for playing a courageous role in the anti-autocratic movement from abroad.
Other Speakers Included Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir, Habibur Rahman, Tahsina Rushdi Luna, Dr. Enamul Haque Chowdhury, Muhidur Rahman, Dr. Shakhawat Hasan Jibon, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, GK Gaus, Kolim Uddin Milon, Miftah Siddiqui, Barrister MA Salam, freedom fighter Abdul Razzak, Nipun Roy, Dr. Shahriar Hossain Chowdhury, Abul Kaher Chowdhury Shamim, Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury, Advocate Hadiya Chowdhury Munni, and Badruzzaman Selim.
The event was opened by District BNP President Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury and Acting Metropolitan BNP President Rezaul Hasan Koyes Lodi. It was conducted by Metropolitan BNP Secretary Imdad Hossain Chowdhury and Acting District Secretary Ishtiaq Ahmed Siddiqui.
