BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stated that the reform efforts of the interim government will be futile unless they address the real needs of the people, particularly children.
Speaking at an event titled “Children in Democratic Marches” held at Kamal Ataturk Avenue field in Banani, Dhaka, Fakhrul emphasized that reforms must contribute to building a safe and secure future for the next generation.
The event was jointly organized by Amra BNP Paribar and Mayer Dak, and was attended by family members of victims of enforced disappearances and children who lost their lives during the July uprising.
Fakhrul expressed disappointment that the interim government had not yet established a special cell to support and rehabilitate the children of the disappeared, despite earlier expectations.
Questioning the effectiveness of the newly formed commission on enforced disappearances, Fakhrul remarked that it has reportedly submitted only one report and taken little tangible action.
He also reflected emotionally on the suffering of the families, saying, “When I hear children say they want to go to school holding their father’s hand or pray with him on Eid, I can’t hold back my emotions.”
Fakhrul criticized the post-regime change situation, saying, “Many of us have assumed powerful positions, become ministers or high-ranking officials, but we have failed to bring the issue of these children to the forefront.”
He pledged that if BNP is elected to power, party leader Tarique Rahman has promised to work for the rehabilitation of these children. “We want to reaffirm that promise today,” he said.
Tahsina Rushdi, wife of disappeared BNP leader M Ilias Ali, said that while children are usually kept away from politics, those whose parents were abducted under the previous regime suffered immense psychological trauma that hindered their development.
Kobir Hossain, father of Jabir Ibrahim who was killed in the July uprising in Uttara, claimed that 141 children had died in July and August alone, but the interim government had done nothing for them. “I want the entire nation to recognize these martyr children,” he urged.
Nabila Noor, daughter of disappeared Nur Hossain, said the success of the July movement lay in Sheikh Hasina’s departure from power. “But our movement isn`t over. My father was disappeared just because he was involved with BNP,” she said.
Lamia Akter, daughter of abducted Kaisar Hossain, shared that her father had been missing for 12 years. “He asked for a glass of water before he was taken, and even that was denied,” she said tearfully. “We’ve searched everywhere, even after August 5, but found no trace. I want answers for my father and all victims.”
Sanjida Islam, a key organizer from Mayer Dak, said, “The scale of Hasina’s fascism was enormous. Those who lost their parents—our pain is one and the same. That’s why we’ve united.”
The event was presided over by Amra BNP Paribar coordinator Atikur Rahman and attended by Dhaka University professor Morshed Hasan along with family members of the disappeared.
