On the occasion of International Day of Democracy, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has organized a protest rally at Naya Paltan in the capital on Friday afternoon.
The rally aims to press home the party’s "one-point" demand, which includes resigning the government and denouncing "false" cases against its activists and leaders.
The rally, organized by Dhaka Metropolitan North and South BNP, commenced at Naya Paltan at about 3pm.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir addressed the rally as the chief guest.
Apart from him, several leaders of the party spoke during the program.
Opposition leaders jailed to prevent poll participation
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has claimed that the opposition and BNP leaders are being rapidly imprisoned with false charges to prevent their participation in the upcoming elections.
He urged everyone to unite against what he called a "fascist government" that has undermined the state system and democracy.
He emphasized that this movement should not be suppressed by false accusations and penalties, and that the people are protesting to restore democracy and voting rights.
Fakhrul further alleged that the administration has been instructed to file false cases against BNP leaders and activists.
He criticized the government for its failures in various sectors, including healthcare and education, and called for the dissolution of the parliament and the organization of elections under a neutral and non-partisan government.
He urged all citizens to unite against what he referred to as an oppressive government that is not interested in free and fair elections.
Mirza Fakhrul also commented on the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's assertion that the elections are exemplary, stating that even foreigners have expressed doubts about the fairness of the elections. He referred to her statement as the best joke of the year.
BNP is against corruption
BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury the party’s movement is aimed at combating corruption and those who undermine democracy by engaging in election fraud.
The country must be protected from them, he said.
He further emphasized that when the people of Bangladesh unite, no force can hinder their progress. “It is only a matter of time before this movement achieves success, ultimately restoring democracy to our country.”
He added that their movement is not the movement of BNP, it is the movement of Bangladesh’s people.
Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, during his speech in Naya Paltan, added that as the people of the country were united for freedom during the Liberation War, they reunited to restore democracy.
Movement for downfall of fascist govt
BNP chairperson's adviser Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas said their movement is for the downfall of the fascist government.
“This movement will succeed through the resignation of this government,” he said during his speech at the capital’s Naya Paltan on Friday.
Biswas mentioned that this movement is making steady progress, enduring false allegations of oppression and torture by the government.
Awami League’s dominance threatens fair polls
BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas has said that individuals affiliated with the Awami League hold positions throughout the entire administrative hierarchy.
“The upcoming elections would not be fair under the current administration, as Awami League members occupy positions at every level of the administrative structure,” he said during his speech at Naya Paltan.
He expressed his determination to prevent such elections from taking place and stressed the importance of accepting the demands of a caretaker government.
“People want their voting rights back,” he added.
In addition to the BNP, various anti-government parties and alliances are hosting simultaneous programs.
Other events planned include a protest rally by Gonotontro Mancha at Paltan intersection at 4pm, a gathering by the 12-Party Alliance in front of Bijoy Nagar, a demonstration by Jatiyatabadi Samomona Jote in front of Al-Razi Complex in Purana Paltan, and several other events by various political parties and organizations at different locations throughout the capital.
Law enforcement officials have been on high alert since the beginning of the rally.