BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said that many people appear to be unhappy whenever the issue of holding elections is raised.
“We want to reclaim our voting rights. I want to cast my vote and give it to whoever I want. Many people are unhappy when we talk about voting. We want elections so we can elect the right people who will go to the parliament and work for us. We also want reforms. In 2022, our leader presented 31 points for reforms,” said Mirza Fakhrul.
He made the remarks while addressing a public rally at Sakowa High School ground in Boda Upazila of Panchagarh district on Sunday.
“Hasina is spreading false propaganda, claiming that Hindus are being persecuted in this country, while the people of this region are peace-loving. Here, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians live together in harmony. Our people have guarded temples during worship,” he added.
Mirza Fakhrul further stated, “Those who loot must be removed. Measures must be taken to ensure that no one unjustly exploits our country. No one else has committed the atrocities that the Awami League has inflicted upon us.”
“We must remain vigilant so that such injustices never happen again,” he added.
Stressing unity, he said, “Now, no one should be able to divide the country. We are all one. We are all Bangladeshis. We all want the development of Bangladesh. This is how we must work. I appeal to everyone, including government officials, the army, the police, and the BGB: let us seize this opportunity. Let us forget all differences and build Bangladesh together – a country of peace, love, and progress. Let us ensure that no one can disrupt our unity.”
The BNP secretary general also criticized corruption, saying, “Some people demand bribes wherever they go. We will not pay bribes anymore. All of you must stand up. Anyone who asks for bribes must be reported to the police. Although the police also take bribes, we are reforming the police. They will now serve as the people’s police. This is the Bangladesh we want.”
He reflected on the country’s history. “Some people say, ‘1971 will be forgotten.’ We cannot forget ‘71. In ‘71, our independent country was born. It was in ‘71 that I was able to recognize myself as a Bangladeshi. We created a homeland for ourselves,” he remarked.
Bd-pratidin English/Fariha Nowshin Chinika
