We want to build a non-communal, democratic Bangladesh: Mirza Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that after the 2024 mass uprising, an opportunity has been created to build a new Bangladesh, one that is truly non-communal, where the rights of people of all races and religions will be recognised and protected, and where everyone will be able to exercise their rights in political and economic spheres.

He said, “We want to build that Bangladesh anew, leaving behind the bitterness of the past to establish a truly non-communal, progressive, democratic, and prosperous country. Our party’s founder, the proclaimer of independence and Bir Uttam Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, had envisioned and begun to build such a Bangladesh.”

He made these remarks as a special guest at the Hindu Representatives Conference organised by the Matua Bahujan Samaj Oikya Jote at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) Convention Hall in the capital on Saturday.

Mirza Fakhrul said, “You have mentioned several issues and demands to me. You have sought the implementation of the Vested Property Return Act, the Minority Protection Act, the formation of a National Minority Commission, a Minority Affairs Ministry, the Devottar Property Preservation Act, and the establishment of a Hindu Foundation instead of a trust. You have also called for ensuring proper representation of minorities at all levels, including nominations and the National Parliament. You have asked that the false cases filed against you be withdrawn. I have conveyed these demands to my leader, who will lead Bangladesh in the future. These demands can only be fulfilled when I can entrust my leader with the responsibility of governing the state. Are you giving that commitment today?”

The conference was presided over by the convener of the Matua Bahujan Samaj Oikya Jote, Somanath Dey, and supervised by joint convener Samen Saha. The chief guest, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, joined virtually.

Special guests included BNP National Standing Committee members Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku.