BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir emphasized on Wednesday that restoring Bangladesh to an electoral path is essential for the country`s well-being.
His remarks came after visiting two ailing BNP advisors, Professor Abdul Quddus and Professor Siraj Uddin Ahmed, at the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital in Agargaon, Dhaka.
Speaking to journalists following the visit, Fakhrul responded to questions about opposition to the proposed February elections. He asserted that the BNP remains the country’s most vocal and committed force in the struggle for democracy.
"It is the BNP that moved Bangladesh from a one-party system to multi-party democracy and later to parliamentary democracy," he said. "Saving the country is everyone’s responsibility, and each political party must help bring the nation back on the right track—sooner the better."
Addressing skepticism regarding the need for elections, Fakhrul remarked, “Those who believe elections are unnecessary should reconsider. Elections are essential for the people. We need a government that is elected and has a direct connection with the public. That’s why we are participating in the reform initiatives. We have always championed these reforms. There’s no contradiction between reform and election—they must go hand in hand.”
Fakhrul also claimed that the BNP has been the biggest victim of state oppression under what he described as the "fascist rule" of the Awami League. “Personally, I have faced 112 cases and have been jailed 13 times,” he noted.
Criticizing the ruling party, he added, “Those who support fascism—especially the Awami League—must be held accountable. Every individual involved must be brought under the law and punished accordingly.”
Fakhrul placed direct blame on Sheikh Hasina for political violence and alleged extrajudicial actions. “She is solely responsible for the killing of thousands of people.
The process of justice against her has begun, and we are hopeful that she, along with those involved in this authoritarian violence and mass atrocities, will face trial. If the party itself is found responsible, it should also be held accountable under the law,” he asserted.
