Fakhrul Urges Swift Elections to Restore People's Rights

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today spoke at a discussion at Jatiya Press Club, Dhaka. Photo: BSS

Speaking at a discussion marking the 56th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Asad at the Jatiya Press Club auditorium, he emphasized, "We have been denied elections for almost 15 years. It is crucial that elections are held now to uphold the people's right to elect their leaders."

The discussion was organized by Shaheed Asad Parishad, with Dr. Mahbub Ullah presiding. Among the speakers were BNP Chairperson's Adviser Aman Ullah Aman, BNP Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon, and Junaid Saki, Chief Coordinator of Ganasanghati Andolan.

Mirza Fakhrul highlighted the stagnant state of the country’s bureaucracy, saying, "The administrative system, from the secretariat to the local level, remains unchanged. There has been no reform in the system."

He also pointed out the dire condition of the country’s education system, noting that educational institutions, particularly universities, have come to a standstill. "The health care system is in shambles as well. These issues are long-standing and will not be resolved quickly, which is why we insist on holding elections soon. The government that comes to power must be held accountable for addressing these issues," he added.

The BNP Secretary General stressed that the most important issue was not who wins the election, but the restoration of people's rights. "For 15 years, we have fought for this. Our hopes are high from the interim government. The recent student and public uprisings have raised the expectations of the people. But in the current climate, we cannot be certain whether those expectations will be met."

Mirza Fakhrul reaffirmed that while political parties may differ in their agendas, they are united in the belief that elections are necessary. "Elections are not just about putting a party in power. They are about creating a democratic pathway for the future."

Reflecting on the legacy of Shaheed Asad, he said, "Shaheed Asad represents the spirit of love and resistance for all of us who participated in the 1969 student uprising. His name will live on in our struggle, regardless of whether it appears in textbooks or is remembered by all. Asad is forever etched in the history of this nation’s freedom movement."

Mirza Fakhrul also drew a parallel between the past and the present, referring to the 1969 student uprising that led to the resignation of military ruler Ayub Khan. "In 2024, a similar uprising led to the downfall of a fascist regime, and the ruler fled the country. While the goals of 1969 were not fully achieved, we continue to fight for our rights and freedom," he concluded.