BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today (Aug 29) warned that the absence of elections could pave the way for the resurgence of fascism in the country, urging political parties to collectively work toward a democratic transition.

Speaking as the chief guest at the unveiling ceremony of Raktakta July (Bloody July), a book authored by Syeda Fatema Salam, at the National Press Club in Dhaka, Fakhrul said attempts to bring back fascism are being made not only from within the country but also from abroad.

He said achieving the desired state system is possible only through a free, fair and neutral election, adding that “our struggle seems to be fading.”

The BNP leader called on party leaders and activists to connect with the people through good work rather than assuming power was within easy reach. “Don’t think you have already come to power. You are not even close to power. Many conspiracies and plots are underway. You must go to the people with good work,” he said.

Defending BNP against accusations of being anti-reform, Fakhrul said, “All reforms in the country have been brought about by the BNP.” 

He recalled that Ziaur Rahman introduced multi-party democracy and media freedom, while Khaleda Zia brought parliamentary democracy.

He also accused some political parties of spreading false propaganda to tarnish BNP’s image, stressing, “We must not give anyone the opportunity to say that the BNP does bad things.”

The people of Bangladesh are eager for change, and it is BNP’s responsibility to transform those public expectations into reality, he added. 

The event was presided over by poet and journalist Abdul Hai Sikdar, with BNP Acting Chairman’s Adviser Dr Mahadi Amin attending as the keynote speaker.

MN/