ছবি: Photo: Collected
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged the interim government to expedite necessary reforms and hold elections without any political maneuvering. Addressing a rally at the Town Hall ground in Jashore on Tuesday afternoon, he emphasized that the people of the country prioritize parliamentary elections over local government polls.
"We do not seek confrontation with you. We do not want conflicts. Please complete these reforms quickly and announce the election date. And before that, do not resort to any tricks," he said. The rally, organized by the district BNP, was held to demand measures such as controlling the prices of essential commodities and announcing a clear electoral roadmap.
Addressing the chief adviser of the interim government, Dr. Yunus, and other advisers, Mirza Fakhrul stated, "If you have any ambition to stay in power, please resign and join the political process openly. Form a party if you wish, contest elections, and face the people. But remaining in power while doing so is unacceptable." He further added, "If you wish to hold on to power, resign first and then contest elections. If you form a new party, we welcome it, but you cannot do so while holding office."
The BNP leader criticized certain political groups for advocating local elections first and questioning the current electoral environment. "Some parties are now saying local elections should come first. Some argue that the election environment is not ready. When will it be ready? When the people of Bangladesh are completely restless? When protests are blocking roads daily? University graduates are coming out to voice their demands. We can confidently say that if a government comes through elections, there will be opportunities to resolve these issues," he remarked.
Mirza Fakhrul stressed that true freedom for the people lies in their right to vote and elect their representatives. "We are not yet fully free. That day will come when we can cast our votes freely, when you can choose your representatives. That day, InshaAllah, we will be truly free."
Expressing concern over the soaring prices of essential commodities, he said, "Had we been able to say that we are doing well today, it would have made us happy. But the reality is that the prices of rice, lentils, oil, salt—every essential item—have skyrocketed beyond the purchasing power of ordinary people. Our security remains uncertain. Even if we assume that the fascist Hasina has fled and the government has changed, are we truly safe? The situation remains unchanged. That is why we have gathered at this rally today."
He reiterated that the BNP’s expectations from the interim government were not excessive. "All we want is a return to a democratic system. We want our right to vote to be restored. We want to live in a democratic state."
The rally was presided over by District BNP Convener Professor Nargis Begum. Among those who addressed the gathering were BNP’s National Executive Committee’s Khulna Divisional Organizing Secretary Anindya Islam Amit, former Office Secretary Mofiqul Islam Tripti, Joint Secretary for Religious Affairs Amlendu Das Apu, National Executive Committee Member T.S. Ayub, District BNP Member Secretary Advocate Syed Saberul Haque Sabu, and Joint Convener Delwar Hossain Khokon. Leaders and activists from the district and upazila BNP, as well as affiliated organizations, participated in large numbers.
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