‘No one can derail elections’

Staff Reporter:

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said that no force would be able to derail this year’s national election, despite any attempts at conspiracy.

“We have witnessed various plots around elections in the past. There may still be efforts to obstruct the process, but I strongly believe no one can foil this election,” he said while addressing an election rally at Mohammadpur Union in Thakurgaon Sadar upazila. He noted that people across the country have become politically conscious after being deprived of their voting rights in previous elections. “This time, people are determined to exercise their right to vote and safeguard the polling centres,” he added.

Mirza Fakhrul, also a BNP candidate for the Thakurgaon-1 constituency, said voters from all religions and communities—Hindus and Muslims alike—would unite to participate in the upcoming polls.

Addressing members of the Hindu community, he urged them to go to polling centres without fear, cast their votes freely and return home safely, assuring them of full protection.

Referring to the past 17 years, the BNP leader alleged that the country’s people had endured repression and oppression under what he described as a “fascist regime.”

“After that dark phase, people have once again been given the chance to determine the country’s future,” he said.

Criticising former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Mirza Fakhrul said BNP did not want leadership that leaves behind numerous leaders and activists in distress. “We are not a party of looters or criminals. We uphold the ideals of Shaheed Zia,” he added.

He also apologised on behalf of BNP leaders and activists, saying, “If anyone commits any mistake during the election campaign, I seek forgiveness on their behalf and hope people will view it with understanding.”

The BNP secretary general became emotional when a supporter presented him with an egg and a clay savings bank.

Seeking forgiveness from the martyrs, Mirza Fakhrul appealed for votes, reminding voters that the sheaf of paddy is the election symbol of former BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

He urged voters to cast their ballots in favour of the sheaf of paddy in the February 12 election, describing it as an opportunity to serve the people “for the last time.”

Leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated organisations, along with a large number of local residents, were present at the rally.