We are in a transitional period, indecisiveness prevail: Mirza Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has termed the current political situation in the country as a 'transitional period'.

He said that even though the election is ahead, it is not the ultimate goal. Rather, the main challenge now is to return the country to democracy and build a democratic culture.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at the book launch and documentary screening of "BNP in the 2024 Mass Uprising" at a hotel in the capital's Gulshan on Wednesday afternoon. BNP and the Nationalist Research Center jointly organized the event.

Mirza Fakhrul said: "We are now in a kind of transitional period. A state of uncertainty is prevailing. Even though the election is approaching, it is not the end of everything. Returning to democracy through the election and strengthening democratic practices—this is the main issue."

He believes that it is necessary to make the judiciary, parliament, media and administration completely independent and strong to establish a sustainable state.

Highlighting the repression, disappearances, murders and cases against BNP leaders and activists in the past 16 years, he said: "False cases against 6,000,000 people, martyrdom of 20,000 leaders and activists - these are important to preserve in history."

He also said that BNP is taking new initiatives to document these events through research.

Regarding the recent reform debate, Mirza Fakhrul said that BNP has already demanded reforms. Now if someone presents reforms as a personal achievement, it will be narrow-minded.

He emphasized that BNP is not a revolutionary party; rather, it is a liberal democrat party that wants to form a 'rainbow state' with people of all views and communities.

He said that the verdicts are being delivered against Sheikh Hasina for crimes against humanity, on the other hand, mobocracy and violence are also ongoing in the country. He said he does not understand what this indicates. He believes that a certain quarter carries out these actions to divert global attention and downplay the importance of these verdicts. He emphasised that it is important to observe whether any group is consciously and cunningly attempting this, or trying to create divisions.

Mirza Fakhrul identified the lack of genuine democratic practice as the root cause of the country’s prolonged political crisis. He said the core principle of democracy is: “I may not agree with you, but I will protect your right to express your opinion, even at the cost of my life.” Unfortunately, many here are unwilling to tolerate others’ opinions.

He recalled BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s stance in support of democracy, noting that even in her brief statements, she provides guidance for the party and the nation: “No revenge, no retaliation; let us all work together to establish democracy.” He also mentioned that Tarique Rahman, living abroad, is playing a role in organising people in support of democracy.

The event was chaired by BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moin Khan. Other speakers included Standing Committee member Selima Rahman, Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque, Jatiya Zia Parishad leader Professor BM Nagib Hossain, BNP Publicity Secretary Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna, NPP Chairman Fariduzzaman Farhad, and Babul Talukdar, editor of the book “BNP in the 2024 Mass Uprising.” Leaders and activists from various levels of the party, including BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman's advisor Mahadi Amin were also present.