BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday called for unity, urging everyone to set aside their differences and work together to build Bangladesh as a peaceful, loving and developed nation by resisting all conspiracies against the country.
“We must always be careful to ensure that no one can divide the nation. We are all equal Bangladeshis, and we all want the development and progress of this country. We must work together in this spirit,” Fakhrul said while addressing a rally organized by the BNP's Boda upazila unit at Sakowa School And College field in Panchagarh.
The BNP leader also urged everyone to remain alert to prevent undue interference in the internal affairs of Bangladesh.
“I would like to tell government officials, members of our police, army and BGB that we have an opportunity. Let us seize this opportunity to build Bangladesh as a country of peace, love and development, putting aside all discord. We must always remain alert so that no one can use us for their own interests,” he said.
Fakhrul also alleged that the deposed fascist ruler Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India, has launched a plot against Bangladesh through a false campaign of repression against Hindus.
"Hasina is conducting a false campaign, claiming that we are oppressing our Hindu brothers. We, the people of this region, are peace-loving. Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians all live together here. But they want to endanger us by spreading false propaganda. We must resist them," he said.
Noting that many members of the Hindu community attended the rally, he asked them if they have been attacked or subjected to repression. They responded loudly that they have not.
Fakhrul said those involved in corruption and looting must be removed from power. “No one has inflicted the kind of repression that the Awami League imposed on us. We will not tolerate injustice; we will follow the path of fairness. We will push aside those who engage in corrupt activities.”
The BNP leader urged everyone not to give bribes but to build resistance against it as part of the fight against injustice. “We will not give bribes. We will all resist it. If anyone asks for a bribe, catch them and turn them over to the police,” he said.
Fakhrul also said they have taken measures to ensure that police officers no longer demand bribes from the public.
“We want a Bangladesh where the police serve people. Our leader Tarique Rahman is showing everyone the dream of building such a Bangladesh,” he said.
The BNP leader condemned a section of people who seek to undermine the 1971 Liberation War. “We cannot forget 1971, as it was the year our independent country was born. It was the year when we created a territory for ourselves.”
He described how the Awami League repressed the country’s people, including politicians and religious scholars, over the last 15 years by establishing an oppressive fascist regime.
Fakhrul accused Hasina of maintaining power through three elections held without voters, resorting to killings, enforced disappearances and creating a reign of terror.
He said Sheikh Hasina fled the country, leaving her leaders and workers in danger in the face of a strong student-led mass movement. “The woman who once said, ‘I do not run away, I am Mujib’s daughter, I do not run away,’ fled the country to save her life, leaving thousands of leaders and activists at risk. This is the result of fascism,” Fakhrul said.
The BNP leader said students and the public have created an opportunity for overhauling the country and restoring democracy by sacrificing their blood.
“Many people become unhappy when we talk about voting. We want voting so we can elect the right people to parliament, those who will work for us.”
Fakhrul also said his party also wants reforms, pointing out that they presented a 31-point state reform outline two years ago.