Staff Reporter :
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said Jamaat leader Matiur Rahman Nizami, Mir Quasem Ali, and BNP Standing Committee Member Salauddin Quader Chowdhury, along with many other Islamic scholars, were executed in false cases.
Speaking as the chief guest at an event held on Saturday held at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital marking founding anniversary of the daily Naya Diganta, Mirza Fakhrul made these remarks.
The BNP leader said, “The nation has not forgotten the oppression and persecution carried out by the fascist government against pro-democracy forces.
False cases have been filed against nearly 6 million (60 lakh) of our activists, and more than 20,000 leaders and workers
have been killed or disappeared.
The death sentences handed down to Jamaat’s then Ameer Matiur Rahman Nizami, Naya Diganta founder Mir Quasem Ali, Salauddin Quader Chowdhury, and many Islamic scholars in fabricated cases are a disgraceful chapter in the nation’s history.”
He further said, “The people of this country want an independent and democratic state-one that is not controlled by foreign powers, but governed by the will of the people.”
Referring to the Baksal regime of 1975, during which press freedom was suppressed, the BNP Secretary General said, “Journalists became unemployed at that time; many had to sell goods on the streets. Later, Ziaur Rahman restored press freedom and introduced multiparty democracy.”
On the current political situation, Fakhrul said political parties should board the electoral train rather than allowing violence or discord to escalate.
“Only through a credible election can Bangladesh move forward. If the election is held on time, we can return to a truly democratic system,” he said.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir added, “Through unity, we want to create an environment for a credible and participatory election.”
He also called on everyone to take part in the upcoming election to restore democracy.
Fakhrul said, “The election will be held by February next year. Through the unity of the parties that signed the Reform Charter, we want to create a conducive environment for a credible, participatory election.
I urge all political parties to take part in the next national election to uphold the democratic system, setting aside minor differences.”
The BNP Secretary General reiterated, “During the Baksal regime of 1975, press freedom was snatched away. Journalists lost their jobs; many became street vendors.
Later, martyred President Ziaur Rahman restored press freedom and reestablished multiparty democracy.”
Mirza Fakhrul said the nation has not forgotten the repression of pro-democracy forces by the fascist government.
“False cases were filed against 6 million workers; over 20,000 leaders and activists were killed or disappeared.
The people of this country want a free and democratic Bangladesh-a Bangladesh governed by the will of its people, not under the control of any foreign power.”
