
ছবি: Photo: Collected
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed confidence that elections will serve as the solution to the ongoing political and economic crises in Bangladesh. Speaking as the chief guest at the national council of the AB Party at Suhrawardy Udyan on Saturday, Fakhrul stated that his party supports the establishment of an interim government to facilitate fair elections. He underscored the importance of reforms alongside elections, noting that achieving both is essential to ensuring stability.
"Our political and economic conditions are fragile, and this is why we advocate for reforms and immediate elections. With elections, the crises we face will dissipate," he said. Fakhrul criticized efforts by some groups to create divisions within the opposition alliance, describing such attempts as futile. "Some individuals have tried to fracture our unity, but I am confident they will not succeed. Together, we will achieve our goals," he remarked.
Addressing the youth, Fakhrul called for collective efforts to build a new Bangladesh free from inequality. He emphasized that patience and strategic decision-making are key to realizing this vision. "We must be cautious not to squander our opportunities with rash decisions or missteps," he added. Fakhrul reiterated the party's commitment to a democratic system and a united effort to overcome the country's challenges.
Highlighting the toll of the 16-year-long fight for democracy, Fakhrul shared that BNP members have endured significant hardship. "Over the years, 60 lakh BNP leaders and activists have faced false charges, 700 have been forcibly disappeared, and approximately 20,000 have been killed. Despite these sacrifices, we continue our struggle for democracy," he said.
He acknowledged the dire state of the economy and the fragile political landscape, stating that the BNP seeks collective solutions. Fakhrul revealed that the party plans to form a national government post-election, bringing together various political parties to address the nation’s pressing issues. "Our aim is to tackle these problems collectively, drawing on the input and expertise of all stakeholders," he said.
Fakhrul addressed misconceptions about the BNP’s stance on reforms and elections. "We have always advocated for reforms, and we continue to do so. Some have misinterpreted our position, suggesting that we prioritize elections over reforms or that we are desperate for elections. This is not the case. We want elections urgently because they will strengthen our position and enable us to resolve the crises we face," he explained.
Fakhrul further stated that the current government still has BNP’s support in navigating these challenges. "We have extended our support to them and continue to do so. We believe we can find a path forward that allows everyone to move ahead together," he said.
Reflecting on the achievements of the opposition alliance, Fakhrul expressed satisfaction with the growing ability to speak freely and fearlessly about national issues. "Today, standing here and speaking without fear is a significant victory for us. This progress is a collective achievement, and the AB Party has played an important role in this," he said.
Looking ahead, Fakhrul stressed the importance of maintaining unity and steadfastness in the face of provocations. "We must remain firm in our decisions and focused on returning to a democratic framework. Together, with the active participation of the youth, we can build a new Bangladesh devoid of divisions," he said.
Fakhrul concluded by reiterating the BNP’s vision for a reformed and unified national government, emphasizing that a fair election is the first step toward achieving this goal.
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