The longer the national election is delayed, the more the country will fall behind," said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at an event held in Sylhet.
He also warned that if the national polls are stretched or delayed, the country would face risks such as declining investment, worsening law and order, women’s safety issues, and ultimately, the collapse of the judicial system.
“That is why we urgently need an elected government—one backed by the people,” Fakhrul told the guests present at the event.
Fakhrul made the remarks while addressing BNP leaders and supporters at a discussion and prayer event in Sylhet city on Monday (July 7).
The event was organised and presided over by UK BNP President M. A. Malek, seeking prayers for the recovery of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and a long life for Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.
The event was jointly conducted by Sylhet City BNP General Secretary Imdad Hossain Chowdhury and District BNP Acting President Ishtiaq Ahmed.
Calling on BNP activists to gear up for the election, Fakhrul said, “Go to the people. Make them realise that there is no option but BNP.”
“We are the party that declared independence. We want a democratic Bangladesh. We want to create jobs, ensure people’s rights, and build a prosperous country,” he said, adding that BNP has already announced a 31-point reform outline that holds the key to the country's future.
He said that BNP Vice Chairman Tarique Rahman is guiding their movement, and Chairperson Khaleda Zia is guiding the party with advice despite being seriously ill.
Fakhrul also thanked Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser to the proposed interim government, for holding a meeting with Tarique Rahman in London and proposing an election timeframe by February 26.
He urged party members to remain alert and honest: “No one should be able to point fingers at us for land grabbing or extortion. Our victory is certain, Insha’Allah.”
Speaking emotionally about Sylhet, Fakhrul said they feel spiritual peace when visiting the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and Shah Paran (RA), saying that these saints lit up people’s hearts with the message of justice and truth.
He said, “This is a sacred land for us. Sylhet is even more special because it is also the home of our leader Tarique Rahman’s in-laws.”
At the event, Mirza Fakhrul also remembered former finance minister M Saifur Rahman, missing leader M Ilias Ali, and other victims of enforced disappearance.
BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Chairperson’s Advisers Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, Dr Enamul Haque Chowdhury, Khandaker Abdul Moqtadir, Mahidur Rahman, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Dr Shakhawat Hossain Jibon, and Sylhet Divisional Organiser GK Gaus also spoke at the event.
MSK/
