Revolutionaries must strengthen organisations, engage with people: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged those seeking revolution and social change to build strong political organisations and directly engage with the people.

Speaking at a memorial meeting for leftist intellectual Comrade Badruddin Umar at the Bangla Academy on Friday, Fakhrul said, “those who want to change society and improve the lives of ordinary people must first strengthen their organization. They must go to the people—only then will change be possible.”

The event, held at the Sahitya Bisharad Auditorium, was organised to commemorate the recent passing of Badruddin Umar, a prominent Marxist thinker and political activist.

Fakhrul reflected on his limited interactions with Umar, recalling a long conversation during a visit to the home of BNP advisor Abrar.

“Umar never compromised on his ideals or his struggle. We, the politicians of today, deeply respect that. He was principled to the very end,” he said.

Addressing the younger generation, Fakhrul said it remains unclear how much they have learned from Umar’s political philosophy and unwavering commitment.

He also highlighted the growing sense of political despair in the country, attributing it to a lack of strong organizational structure.

“Revolutions only succeed when there is a well-organized movement. Without a revolutionary organization, there can be no revolution,” he stressed.

Quoting Umar, he added, “You must go to the people—this is the only way forward.”

The memorial began with a one-minute silence in tribute to Badruddin Umar. The Communist International anthem was played, and a documentary on Umar’s life was screened.

Speakers at the event included Mahbubullah, Comrade Khalequzzaman Bhuiyan, Dr. Akmal Hossain, Comrade Sajib Roy, and Professor Sirajul Islam, among others.