BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir emphasized on Friday that the only way to restore democracy in Bangladesh is through free, fair, and impartial elections. Speaking at a discussion meeting on the martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Naziruddin Jihad, Fakhrul criticized the current government, asserting that democracy cannot exist as long as a few individuals control the law-making process.
“There is no alternative to democracy,” he said. “No matter how much we try to reform or strategize, true democracy can only be restored if we hold elections to form an elected government.” Fakhrul called for restoring the democratic system through elections, a sentiment that resonates strongly among the opposition parties in Bangladesh.
The BNP leader did not hold back in his criticism of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her administration. Fakhrul accused Hasina of ruining the country’s judiciary, administration, election system, and economy, claiming that her leadership has led to widespread institutional decay.
Fakhrul also reminded the audience of Bangladesh’s enduring struggle for freedom, pointing to the many sacrifices made by the people in their ongoing fight for democracy. “Bangladesh is a pro-democracy, freedom-loving nation. Despite setbacks, our people have repeatedly stood up for democracy through movement and struggle,” he stated.
The event, held at the Institute of Engineers in Dhaka, also commemorated the 1990 mass uprising. In his presidential speech, Aman Ullah Aman, President of the Shaheed Jihad Smriti Parishad, underscored the significance of the Zia family’s role during the uprising, emphasizing that Tarique Rahman, BNP’s leader-in-exile, has long been an outspoken critic of Hasina’s authoritarian policies.
The discussion highlighted the BNP's commitment to democracy and elections, with leaders such as Khairul Kabir Khokon voicing their determination to continue the fight for a democratic Bangladesh.
As the political crisis deepens, Fakhrul's call for free and fair elections shows the BNP's unwavering stance against authoritarian governance and their belief that only democratic transition can pave the way for a better future for the country.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
