The BNP has urged democratic political parties to maintain their unity, rising above narrow political interests, to resist the revival of “fascism established by the previous Awami League government.”
Speaking at a memorial discussion in the capital today, BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan called on the interim government to fulfil its duty of restoring democracy through elected public representatives as soon as possible.
The BNP leader also stated that those who have oppressed the people of the country over the past 16 years have neither expressed regret nor shown remorse and continue to act against the nation’s interests.
“We must remain aware and united, with our goals steadfast. Unfortunately, it seems we have not learned our lesson despite facing so much repression and suppression,” he added.
Nazrul also lamented that one pro-democratic party is making derogatory comments about another solely for narrow political interests, which serves no purpose.
“We could oust autocracy and fascism with the mass unity we have forged. If this unity is compromised in any way, that fascism and autocracy will revive, and none of us will be spared. That’s why we must not jeopardise our unity,” he said.
The BNP leader said their party aims to collaborate with all forces—right, left, moderate, and Islamic—to build the country and ensure the welfare of its people. “We want to ensure that the people of this country are never again subjected to fascism and repression. We also advocate for freedom of the press, but not its abuse,” he said.
Jamiat Ulema-e Islam arranged the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, in memory of its former leader and ex-MP Mufti Mohammad Wakkas. Later, the party’s national council was also held at the venue.
Nazrul Islam warned that the cohorts of the autocratic regime are making various efforts to create divisions among democratic forces. “We must resist all such evil efforts,” he urged.
The BNP leader reiterated that the party aims to support the interim government in fulfilling its key responsibilities, including the restoration of democracy after the fall of autocracy.
The BNP leader reiterated that their party aims to assist the current interim government in fulfilling its key responsibilities, including the restoration of democracy after the fall of autocracy.
“Democracy means governing the country through the elected representatives of the people. Although fascism has been removed, democracy has yet to be fully restored. The government has the responsibility to restore it. We hope they will do it correctly and as soon as possible,” Nazrul said.
He noted that political parties, including the BNP, are prepared to allow the government a reasonable timeframe for the restoration of democracy. “However, the government’s intentions must be clear to the public. We need to understand the true nature of their actions,” he added.
The BNP leader also said those who attempt to obstruct the restoration of democracy must be dealt with firmly.
He pointed out that associates of the fascist regime still hold key positions in various levels of the administration. “We must be vigilant to ensure they do not conspire to bring back Awami fascism,” he warned.
The BNP leader said that over 700 BNP leaders and workers have been victims of enforced disappearances over the past 15 years, with most still missing. “We do not know whether they are alive or not. Their families continue to wait for their return,” he lamented.
He said that more than a thousand BNP leaders and activists were killed during Sheikh Hasina’s regime, while hundreds of thousands were implicated in false cases.
The BNP leader emphasised that the people of the country were liberated from Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic rule through the sacrifices of many students and citizens. “It is now our responsibility to ensure that the people do not endure such a regime again,” he concluded.
