BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said his party, if voted into power, will prosecute who he said are fallen fascists.
“BNP has been the major victim of fascism. The oppression, torture, and enforced disappearances we have faced, who else has faced it? We and Jamaat-e-Islami have been the most affected [by fascism]," the BNP leader said while responding to a question at a press conference at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office.
He said the torture by the Awami fascist regime was the most severe on BNP and its leaders and activists.
"So who else will try the fascists if not us if we come to power? The process of prosecution has started, there is no way for anyone to back off from it. The trial [of the fascists] will surely be held," Fakhrul said.
The BNP leader said a political government used to hold trials in such matters.
He, however, said there should not be any hasty trial so that no question can be raised about it. “Prosecution is a process, and it will continue. We will certainly complete that process and there is no doubt about it," he added.
No major differences among parties
Fakhrul said: “There could be some differences of opinion among the political parties over the next election, as each political party has its own distinct characteristics and thoughts.”
He added: “BNP is advocating for an immediate election from its perspective, while Jamaat-e-Islami is also offering its opinion on the matter from its own viewpoint.”
The BNP leader also said: “We have already spoken to the parties that participated in the simultaneous movement with us, and all of them advocated for a quick national election.”
“There is no disagreement among us on this matter. All the like-minded parties, including both left-wing and right-wing ones, have already talked about the prompt election,” he added.
Fakhrul further said: “The Communist Party of Bangladesh has also sought an immediate election."
He also said: “Even Jamaat-e-Islami does not seem to have a significant difference with BNP regarding the election. Just a few days ago, he (Jamaat chief) said national elections are necessary and parliamentary polls should be held first. So, I do not see any major difference.”
Regarding the July revolution proclamation, Fakhrul said they received a draft proclamation from the interim government adviser Mahfuj Alam, and he requested BNP to give their opinions on the matter.
“The matter is so sensitive and important that it cannot be done on a day’s notice. We have discussed this, we are discussing more. We also need to discuss it with other parties,” he said.
The BNP leader further said: “We also need to talk to constitutional experts as there are many things in the proclamation related to the constitution. So we need that time. We are discussing it.”
