Let them parade motorcades, BNP will rule in time: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir iterated the party’s commitment to democracy while criticising the Awami League’s legacy of undermining it. 

Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion meeting organized by the BNP at the Ramna Engineers Institution Auditorium in Dhaka on Tuesday (March 25), Fakhrul declared, “Awami League did not believe in democracy. They have repeatedly destroyed it. Therefore, we cannot even think of granting them any more democratic benefits.”  

Fakhrul addressed the newly formed political party, NCP, and their recent motorcade activities, dismissing their actions with confidence. 

“Let them take the motorcade and do whatever they want. We know what they are capable of. But mark my words—in the future, God willing, BNP will come to power,” he asserted.  

The event, held to commemorate Bangladesh’s Independence Day, saw Fakhrul reflecting on the nation’s history and current challenges. 

He recounted the atrocities of March 25, 1971, when Pakistani forces launched a brutal attack on Bengalis, killing millions. “Pakistan has never apologised for its crimes. Yet, some groups refuse to acknowledge this dark chapter. They claim that 1971 was not an incident but rather a collaboration with the Pakistan army. I won’t name them, but their attempts to rewrite history are alarming. History is history, and we must not forget it,” he warned.  

Fakhrul criticised Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, particularly her escape to India amid public anger. “This is their character. When the people rise, they flee, leaving their workers unprotected. This time, too, she fled to India,” he remarked.  

In contrast, he praised Khaleda Zia, describing her as “the great woman of Bangladesh and the first female freedom fighter.” Highlighting her sacrifices, he said, “Khaleda Zia was arrested by the Pakistan army and spent nine months in jail during the Liberation War.”  

Fakhrul credited the BNP with spearheading reforms under the leadership of martyred President Ziaur Rahman and later Khaleda Zia. “Reforms were initiated by Ziaur Rahman and carried forward by Khaleda Zia. The BNP has now proposed a 31-point plan to repair the state structure, building on the 2030 Vision presented by Khaleda Zia in 2016,” he added.  

Fakhrul accused the interim government of stalling national elections and creating unnecessary distractions. “They talk about reforms, local government elections, and other excuses to delay the national polls. But there is no alternative to elections. The people are suspicious of these tactics,” he said.  

He also condemned attempts to undermine the country’s army, asserting, “The army stands by us in difficult times. We will not tolerate any effort to create controversy around it.”  

Fakhrul emphasised that the foundation of Bangladesh’s recent mass uprising was laid by the BNP. “There was no sudden revolution. BNP leaders and activists played a pivotal role in the movement,” he said.  

Warning against negative narratives targeting the BNP, he said, “We should not be heard doing bad things. It will ruin our prospects. The future of Bangladesh depends on us.”