BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged party leaders and activists to prepare for the next national election by reconnecting with the people and earning their trust.
Speaking at a discussion event in Sylhet on Monday, he warned that any further delay in holding the national election would only worsen the country`s political and economic conditions.
"Prepare for the election by fostering love for the BNP among the people," Fakhrul said. "We must reach a point where people say, `There is no alternative to BNP.` That’s what we need to build — and for that, we must be ready to make sacrifices."
The event, held at Sunrise Community Centre in Sylhet’s Pathantula area, was organized by the Sylhet district and city BNP and initiated by UK BNP President MA Malik. The gathering was dedicated to praying for the forgiveness of the late President Ziaur Rahman and the recovery of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
Fakhrul thanked former caretaker government advisor Muhammad Yunus for his mediation with acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman in London, which reportedly helped set a tentative election timeframe for mid-February 2026. He emphasized, "Let it be clear — the longer the election is delayed, the more Bangladesh will fall behind."
Highlighting the risks of political stagnation, Fakhrul warned that without an elected government, investment would dwindle, insecurity would increase, mob violence would escalate, the judiciary would collapse, and law and order would deteriorate. “Only a government elected by the people can ensure stability,” he added.
Calling on party activists to maintain discipline and avoid misconduct, he said, "Let no one have the opportunity to point fingers at us — not for land grabbing, extortion, or abuse of power. We must earn the people`s respect."
Reflecting on the party’s struggles over the past 15 years, Fakhrul noted the sacrifices made by BNP leaders and supporters in the fight for democracy. "Many of our leaders were detained for months in Sylhet, shackled and tortured under the Hasina regime. We have endured all this and are still standing."
He credited the fall of the previous government not as a coincidence, but as the result of prolonged struggle and sacrifice. “We have removed fascism, but now we must build — a democratic Bangladesh where rights are ensured, people can vote, and freedom of speech is upheld.”
He concluded by expressing his vision for a prosperous Bangladesh, inspired by the ideals of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, emphasizing development, democracy, and justice for all.
Later in the day, Fakhrul attended a special event in Sylhet to honor the families of martyred BNP activists, where he reiterated the party’s commitment to remembering those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for democracy.
