BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday urged political leaders and people to remain united in safeguarding the gains of last year’s July mass uprising, saying the sacrifices of the young people who lost their lives must not go in vain.
“Let us work together to consolidate the victory we achieved through the movement of July 2024,” he said while addressing the publication ceremony of four books written by prominent economist Professor Mahbub Ullah and his wife Umme Salma Alo.
Fakhrul said the differences of opinion may exist among political parties, but those must not undermine the hopes and dreams of the nation. “The sacrifices of the young men who gave their lives must not go in vain — we must remain united to turn our dreams into reality.”
The programme, organised at the Jatiya Press Club, also coincided with the 81st birthday of Prof Mahbub Ullah.
Praising the noted economist, Fakhrul described Mahbub Ullah as one of the most respected intellectuals in the country.
He said Mahbub Ullah has long been associated with BNP’s reform efforts, playing a key role in policy discussions and initiatives taken by Begum Khaleda Zia.
Fakhrul recalled Mahbub Ullah’s contributions to the party’s political, constitutional and economic reform proposals, including those placed in 2016 as part of BNP’s Vision-2030 for Bangladesh.
He said the main points of the BNP’s Vision-2030 emerged from the thoughts Mahbub Ullah.
“He has a connection with BNP, and denying that would be denying the truth. Whenever Begum Khaleda Zia wanted to hold discussions on any matter in the country, she would call him,” Fakhrul said.
He also mentioned that Mahbub Ullah also played a key role in forming Oikayfront-led by BNP against Awami League’s authoritarian government before the 2018 national election.
Fakhrul said the renowned economist always advocated for shaping the country into a democratic state, establishing an economy free from inequality, and ensuring that ordinary people enjoy their voting rights and other freedoms.
“He has always been at the forefront of efforts to create a democratic and anti-authoritarian Bangladesh, and his contributions can never be denied. From the books of Prof Mahbub Ullah that I have read, the same message resonates — a vision of a truly democratic, equitable, and free Bangladesh. I want to thank him again today and wish him a very happy birthday,” the BNP leader said.
Fakhrul also mentioned that it is the birthday of another remarkable woman, Begum Rokeya, who played a pioneering role in awakening women in the country and across South Asia, as well as the birthday of Prof Mahbub Ullah’s third daughter, and extended greetings to them.
“I also hope that Mahbub Ullah will continue to guide and support Bangladesh’s politics and economy with his wisdom, scholarship, and experience,” he said.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
