BNP’s goal is to ensure rights of all religions, not secularism: Mirza Fakhrul

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that the party’s political goal is not secularism, but ensuring the rights of people of all religions and beliefs.

He said the BNP aims to guarantee that every citizen can freely practise their religion and enjoy equal rights.

Mirza Fakhrul made the remarks in an interview with Qatar-based international broadcaster Al Jazeera, which was aired last Wednesday.

Responding to a question on secularism, he said,
“No, that is not our goal. Our goal is that people of all religions and beliefs will have rights, they will be able to practise their religion freely, and they will enjoy all their rights.”

Referring to the fact that around 95 percent of Bangladesh’s population is Muslim, he said the term “secularism” is not suitable for Bangladesh’s political context. He added that ensuring the rights of followers of other religions should not pose any problem.

Claiming that the BNP has played the strongest role in protecting minority rights, Mirza Fakhrul said that political changes in Bangladesh have historically been followed by some problems, but those incidents were political, not communal.

Criticising Indian media coverage, he said Indian media often portray such incidents as communal, whereas they are actually political violence.

During the interview, the Al Jazeera journalist noted that human rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch, had described the BNP-Jamaat-led four-party alliance government from 2001 to 2006 as dangerous for minorities.

Rejecting the claim, Mirza Fakhrul said he did not believe it and had never seen such an assessment.

Referring to a United Nations survey alleging a recent increase in violence against minorities and retaliatory attacks by BNP and Jamaat supporters, he said the allegations were biased.

Asked whether the aspirations of the July uprising would be realised if Tarique Rahman became prime minister after a BNP election victory, Mirza Fakhrul said Tarique Rahman had already presented his plans to the nation and promised change, with Bangladesh’s future included in those plans.

Regarding more than 80 cases filed against Tarique Rahman, he said all the cases were filed during the previous Hasina-led “fascist” government, and despite trials and investigations, not a single allegation had been proven.

Denying allegations of extortion, rape and murder against BNP grassroots leaders and activists, he said their land, shops and businesses had been seized over the past 15 years, and some complaints emerged as they tried to reclaim them.

However, he added that he was not claiming no incidents had occurred, saying such issues arise during periods of transition in every country.

Asked whether an election without the Awami League would be undemocratic, he said when a party uses state machinery to kill thousands of people, the public naturally demands justice.

Stating that he does not support banning political parties, he said he had opposed the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami as well, arguing that banning parties does not solve problems.

On bringing Sheikh Hasina back from India, Mirza Fakhrul said the BNP would make diplomatic efforts to return her to Bangladesh to implement the verdict.

He also said rebuilding relations with India would be possible if the BNP came to power, citing the Indian foreign minister’s visit to Dhaka after Khaleda Zia’s death and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s condolence message as positive gestures.

He described the steps as a good and commendable initiative by the Indian government and its prime minister.