BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today reiterated that free, fair, and impartial elections are the only way to restore democracy in the country.

Speaking at a memorial event for Shaheed Nazir Uddin Ahmed Jihad at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in Dhaka, Fakhrul said, “No matter how many reforms are proposed or strategies devised, democracy cannot be reinstated without an elected government through a legitimate election.”

He criticised former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, alleging that she had destroyed key national institutions, including the judiciary, administration, electoral system, economy, and education and health sectors.

Fakhrul also addressed a dispute over electoral symbols with the Nationalist Citizen’s Platform, saying the BNP’s ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol should not be obstructed and is “an irresistible symbol that echoes across the nation.”

The event was presided over by Aman Ullah Aman, president of Shaheed Jihad Smriti Parishad and adviser to the BNP Chairperson. BNP leaders, including Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon, were also present.

MN/