BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that certain political parties are attempting to delay the upcoming national election. He said, “Some forces are trying to ensure that the election does not take place on time. This is not acceptable.”
He made the remarks on Thursday (October 23) at a discussion meeting held at the Institution of Diploma Engineers auditorium in Kakrail, Dhaka.
Mirza Fakhrul said, “We are cooperating with the interim government so that a fair and participatory election can be held. However, it is frustrating to see that some political parties are trying to delay the polls.”
He further said that Bangladesh urgently needs a political government, as the stability of the economy, politics, and education depends on a duly elected administration.
He praised the National Reform Commission, saying it had completed some important reform tasks in a short period, which were essential in the post-transition phase.
The BNP leader reminded that the party has a long tradition of reform: “Tarique Rahman’s 31-point agenda, Begum Khaleda Zia’s Vision 2030, and Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s 19-point program — all are aimed at empowering the people.”
Mirza Fakhrul asserted, “BNP restored multiparty democracy in Bangladesh. President Zia ensured press freedom, and Begum Khaleda Zia introduced the parliamentary form of government. Free education for girls up to tenth grade and the establishment of the Department of Women Affairs — all are BNP’s achievements.”
He added, “No one could erase Ziaur Rahman’s name from history because history has embraced him.”
Speaking about Tarique Rahman, Fakhrul said, “He is carrying the flag of democracy and development as the true successor of Shaheed Zia and Begum Khaleda Zia. Inshallah, under his leadership, we will firmly establish democracy in Bangladesh.”
The discussion was presided over by Abdus Salam, a member of the BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council. Among others, former Dhaka University vice-chancellor Professor Anwar Ullah Chowdhury, Abdul Hai Shikdar, Moudud Alamgir Pavel, and Mahdi Amin also spoke at the event.