Country will not survive if those who opposed independence gain power: Mirza Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that the country would not survive if those who opposed Bangladesh’s independence were allowed to assume power.

Addressing election campaigns on Friday afternoon at Guchchhagram and Sholtahari Bazar in Debipur Union of Sadar upazila, he said, “There are 111 cases against me. I have been to jail eleven times—not for theft or robbery, but for fighting for voting rights and the people of this country. I have no regret or sorrow for that. The one who oppressed us has fled the country, leaving everyone behind to save herself.”

He said former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had gone to India and remarked that while leaving was her choice, abandoning party leaders and activists to face danger was unjustifiable. “We want to assure our supporters that you will not be left alone. We are with you. Those who committed crimes will be punished, and those who did not will not face injustice,” he said.

Recalling the spirit of 1971, Mirza Fakhrul said Bangladesh’s Liberation War was a matter of pride. “We fought together for an independent Bangladesh. Those who opposed independence, collaborated with the Pakistani army, and rejected the Liberation War now seek power. Remember one thing clearly—if those who did not want Bangladesh’s independence are brought to power, this country will not survive.”

He added that despite their current rhetoric, those forces have never admitted their mistakes of 1971. Referring to past communal violence, he said such incidents have not been forgotten. “Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist and Christian—we all want to build this country together,” he said.

Mirza Fakhrul further claimed that only BNP has the experience and capacity to move the country forward. He urged voters to give the party an opportunity to form the next government, promising development initiatives. Concluding his speech, he reminded voters that BNP’s electoral symbol is the sheaf of paddy.

During the campaign, he distributed leaflets, exchanged greetings with voters, and made various commitments regarding local development. Senior district BNP leaders and activists were present at the event.