Fakhrul calls for free, fair polls to restore democracy

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stressed that the only way to restore democracy in Bangladesh is through free, fair, and impartial elections. “Democracy cannot exist if a few make laws. There is no alternative to elections,” he said.

Fakhrul made the remarks during a discussion at the Engineers Institute in Dhaka on Friday, held to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Naziruddin Jihad and to commemorate the anti-autocracy people’s movement.

He said that no matter how many reforms are attempted or strategies devised by intellectuals, the country cannot return to a democratic system unless a government is elected through proper elections.

“The people of Bangladesh are pro-democracy and pro-independence. They have fought, struggled, and shed blood for freedom. Despite repeated setbacks, they have risen each time to achieve victory through movements and struggles,” Fakhrul added.

Criticizing the current government, he remarked that Sheikh Hasina has undermined the country’s judicial system, administration, election system, economy, healthcare, and education.

Fakhrul also addressed claims by some organizations that the July movement belongs to them, asserting that BNP has been continuously fighting for democracy.

Responding to Jatiya Samajtantrik Party coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari’s statement that the BNP’s paddy sheaf symbol should be canceled if the NCP is denied the Shapla (water lily) symbol, Fakhrul said: “We have not blocked your symbol. The Election Commission will decide. There is no reason to fight over the paddy sheaf, which has strong support nationwide.”

Shaheed Jihad Smriti Parishad President and BNP Chairperson’s advisor Aman Ullah Aman recalled the 1990 people’s uprising, noting that the Zia family stood with the people then and continues to do so. He said Tarique Rahman has remained vocal against Sheikh Hasina’s regime. Aman also criticized calls for ‘PR methods,’ saying those advocating them neither support elections nor democracy. He concluded: “Our priority is Bangladesh first—not Delhi, not Rawalpindi.”