Fakhrul anxious over nat’l polls delay
Staff Reporter :
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday voiced concern that certain political parties are making a grave mistake by attempting to delay or obstruct the upcoming national election, expected to take place in early February next year.
Speaking at a book unveiling ceremony, Fakhrul also alleged that
a group of individuals, including social media influencers, are spreading misinformation to malign BNP’s image and present the party as a national antagonist.
“It is truly frustrating to observe that some parties are trying to postpone or derail the election. Such actions are completely misguided,” he said.
Fakhrul remarked that the country is passing through a defining moment after enduring 15 years under what he described as a “fascist and monstrous regime” that has devastated institutions and left the economy and politics in ruins.
He said the interim government, in cooperation with political parties, has been working to create the conditions necessary for holding a credible national election and restoring democratic governance.
The BNP leader emphasized the urgent need for an elected political government to stabilize the economy, politics, and education sector. “Bangladesh now needs an elected government through a timely election, as the nation’s future hinges on it,” he stated.
The remarks came during a BNP-arranged event to unveil the cover of the book Mahakaler Mohanayak Shaheed Zia at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh. The book was edited by freedom fighter and BNP leader Abdus Salam and poet Abdul Hye Sikder.
Fakhrul lauded the National Consensus Commission for accomplishing significant reform initiatives within a short period.
He noted that the ongoing reform efforts mirror BNP’s enduring commitment to change, as outlined in the 31-point reform plan announced by the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman in 2022, along with Khaleda Zia’s reform proposals in 2016 and late President Ziaur Rahman’s historic 19-point programme.
Reaffirming BNP’s reformist legacy, Fakhrul said President Zia established multi-party democracy, upheld press freedom, and restored citizens’ fundamental rights, while Khaleda Zia introduced parliamentary democracy, made education free for girls up to college level, and expanded women’s employment and institutional opportunities.
He asserted that all major democratic transformations in Bangladesh were achieved through BNP’s leadership.
“Still, some people try to demonize BNP, which I find astonishing. Whatever positive changes Bangladesh has witnessed have come through the leadership of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia,” Fakhrul said.
He also expressed dismay that several popular YouTubers and social media users, particularly on Facebook, are disseminating distorted information about the party.
Fakhrul urged social media influencers to act responsibly and ensure that their commentary reflects the truth.