BNP Secretary General
Fakhrul holds meeting with US Chargé d'Affaires
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir met Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson, Chargé d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Dhaka, and discussed the country’s latest political situation and the upcoming election.
The meeting, which lasted for about an hour, began at 10 am on Thursday and took place at Jacobson’s residence.
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BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organising Secretary Shama Obaid accompanied Fakhrul at the meeting.
Speaking to reporters afterward, Shama Obaid said they had visited the US envoy’s residence for breakfast at her invitation.
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“The new US Chargé d'Affaires is engaging with various political parties, and this meeting was part of those discussions,” she said.
During the meeting, Shama said the country’s current political situation, economic conditions, and BNP's views on the upcoming election were discussed. “The US envoy tried to understand BNP's perspective on these issues.”
2 weeks ago
Mirza Fakhrul steps into 78 Sunday
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stepped into 78 on Sunday, receiving birthday wishes from family, party colleagues and friends.
Fakhrul was born on January 26, 1948, in Thakurgaon. His father, the late Mirza Ruhul Amin, was a leader of the Muslim League and a minister in the Pakistan government.
As in previous years, the BNP leader celebrated his birthday with a low-key affair, with only family members and party leaders and activists offering their greetings.
Fakhrul began the day surrounded by his two daughters, Mirza Shamaruh and Mirza Safaruh, his wife Rahat Ara Begum and his grandchildren.
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, senior party leaders, friends and well-wishers also called to wish him a ‘Happy Birthday’.
Speaking to reporters on the occasion, Fakhrul said a birthday signifies another year passing by in his life.
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"In other years, my elder daughter would call from Australia, but this time, that didn’t happen this time. My elder daughter and her family arrived in Dhaka just a few days ago. So now, my entire family, including both my daughters, is here in Dhaka. My daughters wished ‘Happy Birthday’. Your sister-in-law (Rahat Ara) also wished me a Happy Birthday after waking up this morning," he said.
Fakhrul said his grandchildren also wished him a ‘Happy Birthday’. "It’s a unique kind of joy. From the first hour of my birthday on January 26th, many friends, relatives and leaders called to wish me."
He mentioned that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman called from London to greet him, followed by other senior leaders of the party.
"The birthday reminded me that I’ve grown old...now I’m on the verge of departure from this world," the BNP leader said.
Fakhrul expressed his belief that his dreams and hopes would be realised through the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh.
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“At this stage of life, I firmly believe that most of the political crises and challenges we face can be resolved, and Bangladesh will regain democracy. I hold onto that hope," he said.
The BNP leader said his health condition is not good, but he is in good spirits as his entire family is together this time.
Asked about his feelings on his birthday, Fakhrul said, “I don’t actually celebrate my birthday... I’ve turned 77...you could say it’s a long journey. Over these 77 years, I’ve seen many changes, witnessed many events, encountered many people and been inspired. I’ve found the meaning of remaining alive.”
“Now, it’s time to go... but my hope, my expectation, is only one: Bangladesh will move towards democracy, and it will regain democracy. For this democracy, the people of our country, and the millions of leaders and workers of BNP have sacrificed so much and endured immense repression during the fascist rule," he added.
Fakhrul, who was involved in leftist politics during his student life, completed his graduation and post-graduation from Dhaka University’s Economics Department.
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Later, he pursued a teaching career through the BCS examination. Fakhrul resigned from teaching in 1986 and formally entered politics.
In 1988, he won the Thakurgaon Municipality election and became its chairman.
In 1979, during Ziaur Rahman's government, Fakhrul served as the personal secretary to then Deputy Prime Minister SA Bari.
In 1992, he became the president of Thakurgaon District BNP and gradually rose through the ranks, from a member of the party’s executive committee to ultimately becoming the party's secretary general.
Before reaching the top leadership of BNP, he served as the first vice-president and later the president of the Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal for a long period.
Fakhrul was appointed acting secretary general of BNP after the death of the party’s then-secretary general Khandaker Delwar Hossain in 2011. He was given full charge of the party’s secretary general position five years later, in 2016.
He was elected MP from Thakurgaon-1 with the BNP ticket in 2001 and appointed as a state minister. He was also elected MP from the Bogura-6 seat in the 11th parliamentary election but has not yet taken the oath, as BNP rejected the election results.
2 weeks ago
Interim govt fails to maintain neutrality in some cases: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that the interim government is failing to maintain neutrality in certain matters.
“Yesterday (Wednesday), in an interview, I said if the interim government can’t remain impartial, a neutral government will be required during the election. There is a reason for making this statement. We observe that the interim government is unable to maintain neutrality on several issues,” he said while addressing a discussion on Thursday.
He urged the interim government to carry out its responsibilities impartially and address the problems the country is currently facing.
The Shaheed Asad Parishad organised the discussion at the Jatiya Press Club to mark the 56th martyrdom anniversary of student leader Asaduzzaman Asad, who became a symbol of resistance during the mass uprising against the then Pakistani autocratic ruler Ayub Khan in 1969.
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On January 20, 1969, Asad, a hero of the 1969 mass upsurge, was shot and killed by the Pakistani police during a protest rally near Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) against the atrocities inflicted on the people of East Pakistan.
Fakhrul said the government should arrange the election as soon as possible after carrying out the necessary minimum reforms related to the election.
“The government formed through that election will be responsible for fully implementing the commitments to the reforms and working to meet the public’s aspirations. We can’t allow the blood of Asad and Abu Sayed to be in vain. For this reason, we must unite and realise their (martyrs’) dreams. Let this be our pledge today,” he said.
Fakhrul said countless people, including Asad in 1969 and Abu Sayed and many others in 2024, sacrificed their lives to establish a truly democratic state. “If we want to make this truly meaningful, what is needed is for us to unite on the minimum (reform) issues.”
No scope for reforms without democratic process: Khosru
He said BNP and other parties that have carried out a movement together against the fascist regime have placed a 31-point reform outline. “If any changes or additions are needed, they can come to the forefront and we should move forward with them.”
The BNP leader claimed that his party is seeking the election not merely to gain power, but because he fears that evil forces may exploit the situation if the election is unnecessarily delayed. “From our experience, we know that if such an election is not held quickly and time is wasted, other forces begin to raise their heads. In that case, the people's demands will be completely ignored.”
He said some people criticise him for advocating the prompt holding of the next national election. “The reason I say this, and have tried to say it repeatedly, is that we believe the people, who have been deprived of elections for 15 years, will have the opportunity to elect their representatives through the polls.”
The BNP leader said he has been repeatedly saying that who comes to power is not significant, but the establishment of people's rights is crucial. Those who have fought for 15 years to ensure the rights of the people have high expectations from the current interim government, he added.
"Naturally, after a student-led mass uprising, people's expectations have risen significantly. But sadly, the truth is that, given the current state of society, we still do not see any efforts to ensure that the expectations of the people of the country will be fulfilled," Fakhrul said.
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He also said all political parties agree on the necessity of holding elections, as it is the gateway to the democratic system.
The BNP leader said some people are arguing that the government should hold the election only after all reforms. “But should we wait four to five years or until the reforms are completed? People would be deprived of their voting rights for such a prolonged period,” he said.
He alleged that the bureaucracy still operates in the same way as it did before, with no changes in the administration from the Secretariat to other government offices while education in universities has almost come to a halt, schools and colleges are not functioning properly and the healthcare system is on the verge of collapse.
"That is why we have said that the election needs to be held quickly. The party that comes to power will definitely be responsible for fulfilling the political commitments to the people," Fakhrul said.
3 weeks ago
Some people trying to undermine national unity: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday lamented that some individuals within the country are trying to create a rift in the national unity forged during the anti-fascist mass uprising.
“There is no division among us. Unfortunately, however, some people in our country are now trying to sow discord in this unity. I know that attempt won’t succeed,” he said.
Fakhrul made the remarks while addressing the first national council of the Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) at Suhrawardy Udyan.
The BNP leader expressed confidence that the nation will certainly achieve its desired goal through united efforts.
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He, however, said all need to be patient to materialise the dream of rebuilding a new Bangladesh. “We all must be cautious so that we do not destroy that potential through rashness, wrong decisions and wrong steps,” Fakhrul said.
He said it is a fact that the country’s economic situation is not very good amid a fragile political situation.
“We want to tackle this together, and we want to overcome all problems together. If we have been able to remove that monster and the fascists by working together, then why can’t we rebuild the state with new possibilities?” the BNP leader said.
Reiterating that the BNP has always advocated for state reforms, he said some people wrongly claim that the party demands the election before reforms or that it is restless for the election.
“That is not the case. Why do we want the election to be held promptly? We want it soon because it will strengthen us further, once an elected government and parliament are in place. The crises that have arisen will also be resolved then,” he observed.
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He said many are asking what the nation achieved after the five months of mass uprising. "The achievement is that today we can stand here and speak without hesitation and fear. I consider this a big victory for us."
The BNP leader acknowledged that the AB Party has played a big role in making the mass movement a success.
"Democratic movements against fascists are rarely successful, but our students have made it a success through their vehement movement, freeing us from the hands of a terrible monster," he said.
Fakhrul said the nation is now dreaming of building a new Bangladesh again and talking about it as a favourable situation has been created.
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"We shouldn’t destroy this environment and the dream. What is needed now is that, despite all the provocations, we should remain steadfast in our decision to return to a democratic system," he said.
The BNP leader said they want to eliminate discrimination as they want to join hands with the youth of Bangladesh, standing shoulder to shoulder with them to build a new Bangladesh.
1 month ago
Political parties talk about democracy but fail to practise: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday lamented that the biggest problem in Bangladesh is that political parties talk about democracy but fail to practise it, thus hindering the development of democratic institutions.
Speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Economics Department at Dinajpur Government College, he also said though the democratic struggle ended on August 5, the nation has failed to find a path towards building the country together in unison.
“The biggest problem in Bangladesh is that we speak about democracy but do not practise it. There have been successive attempts to kill democracy. As a result, our democratic institutions have not developed,” he said.
The BNP leader also said that political parties in Bangladesh have long been engaged in conflict and rivalry with one another. “However, if we can move forward by practising democracy with tolerance, we can establish true democracy and secure our rights,” he said.
He also bemoaned that the people of the country, including the new generation, have been unable to exercise their right to vote over the past 15 years. “What kind of democracy is this, where people lose the opportunity to exercise their rights?”
Fakhrul said politicians have a failure that even after 54 years of independence they still have not been able to make Bangladesh a happy and peaceful country of love and affection.
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“We suffer from narrow-minded politics. We have lost our morality to the lowest level. Even a few days ago, we could not say that we are a proud nation. Now, once again, hope is rekindled among us, and we begin to dream. In the true sense, we’re trying to build a happy, beautiful, loving, democratic, and prosperous Bangladesh, the one envisioned by the proclaimer of democracy, Ziaur Rahman,” he said.
The BNP leader recalled with gratitude that many brave sons of the soil and political activists have sacrificed their lives to free the country from the grip of the fascist Awami League regime.
“Our political workers have long endured unusual and inhuman torture. Over 800 leaders and workers have been subjected to enforced disappearance, while false cases have been filed against more than 60 lakh political leaders and workers. Thousands of leaders and workers have been killed without trial. What a terrible situation we have endured,” he said.
Fakhrul said new possibilities have now arisen to build the country and move forward with united efforts. “But I don’t know why we can’t rise above narrow-mindedness. I appeal to all concerned: let us stand up. Let’s determine a path that is clear, true, and beautiful--rising above narrowness--to materialise our dreams.”
Appreciating the youth, the BNP leader said he is overwhelmed by the way the younger generation and university students are voicing their opinions to build a new Bangladesh. “They are talking about change with patriotism...Our children have immense potential to show us the way to develop the country. We have to catch this point. So don't think only negatively. We must proceed with mutual tolerance and respect.”
“No matter what political thoughts I have, if there is patriotism and love for the country, then surely we can utilize the scope that has been created now (through the mass uprising),” he said.
In his 30-minute address, Fakhrul also slammed the Awami League regime for ruining the country’s economy through widespread plundering.
“Our entire wealth has been looted and siphoned off abroad. Around $16 billion has been laundered every year. As a result, over $280 billion has been siphoned off abroad in the last 15 years,” the BNP leader said.
He also said the Awami League established fascism in Bangladesh by taking control of all state institutions to make its power absolute, creating an atmosphere of fear so that no one could speak out.
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“By Allah’s infinite grace, we have come out of that situation, and an opportunity has arisen to make Bangladesh a truly democratic country,” Fakhrul said.
Acknowledging his age, the BNP leader said, “I am old enough to leave this world very happily if I could see that Bangladesh has truly become a country of love and affection.”
He also expressed dismay that Bangladesh’s economy is now facing a crisis and disaster, as the fascist Awami League regime has destroyed the country’s economy over the last 15 years.
Fakhrul called upon economists to come forward and help steer the country’s economy back on track.
He also reminisced about his days in Dinajpur as a teacher in the Economics Department of Dinajpur Government College. “I spent the most beautiful time of my life in Dinajpur and at Dinajpur College,” he said.
1 month ago
Unelected govt shouldn’t remain in power for a long period: Fakhrul
Reiterating the demand for an immediate election, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said an unelected government should not remain in power for a long period.
“We have no objection to carrying out reforms. But the biggest problem now is the chaos and instability in Bangladesh. These problems will be significantly alleviated if there is an elected government,” he said while addressing a discussion.
A faction of the Jatiya Gonotantrik Party (Jagpa) organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club.
Fakhrul said an elected government can assert its power to deal with problems effectively as they have public mandate. “We must always remember this. We also strongly advocate for reforms. But we also believe that the unelected government should not remain in power for a long time,” he said.
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Fakhrul said the main task of the interim government is to arrange a credible election and hand over power to the elected representatives of people.
The BNP leader affirmed that his party still fully supports the interim government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus.
He also expressed a desire for the interim government to succeed and they are ready to offer all necessary cooperation to ensure its success.
The BNP leader said they also want the interim government to succeed and they are ready to offer all necessary cooperation to ensure its success.
“My biggest request is to arrange the election swiftly. Otherwise, the ongoing crisis, problems, acts of sabotage, and border issues cannot be contained,” Fakhrul observed.
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He said reform is not a new concept reform is not a new concept, as the BNP presented its reform proposal in 2016 with Vision-2030, followed by a 31-point proposal in 2022.
“You (govt) have set up several commissions for reforms, and they are working. That’s fine. But with whom are these commissions working? They have brought in some scholars... we know them well and respect them. However, at the same time, you must engage with the people to understand what they want,” Fakhrul said.
The BNP leader said carrying out reforms is a continuous process and will not end anytime soon. “But we can’t delay the election for the sake of reforms. We can’t allow an unelected government to continue to run the country day after day in name of completing reforms.”
Referring to newspaper reports, Fakhrul said two to three more political parties would be formed before the election.
“We have no objection if another two or three parties are formed as part of the electoral process. We wouldn’t even mind if one hundred or two hundred parties emerge. The question is, how useful will they be for the nation?” he said.
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Fakhrul lamented that social media is dangerously creating an environment where anyone can become a politician, philosopher, journalist, or YouTuber.
He said many are now making political statements and comments, sometimes even mocking political parties. “This is not fair and should not happen.”
The BNP leader alleged that ordinary people in the country are facing a difficult time due to the rising prices of essential items, including rice, pulses, oil, salt, eggs and chicken. “The lives of the common people have become unbearable.”
He accused the interim government of showing no concern for this issue, as they have not taken action to reduce the price of commodities.
“When we raise this issue, they say it’s not possible to resolve quickly. But we want to see your initiative. We want to know what measures have been taken. We have not seen the advisers or those in charge going to the markets, talking to people, and understanding where the problems lie,” the BNP leader said.
Fakhrul also alleged that the government has failed to ensure any relief to the people through effective steps.
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“I attended an event yesterday (Friday), where Debapriya Bhattacharya made an important point: everyone wants reforms, but they also want relief. They want relief in the markets, and they do not want to be killed on the streets,” he said.
Fakhrul called upon the government to focus on administration and governance to achieve the desired goals and fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the people.
He said the July-August mass uprising had created a new opportunity to build a new Bangladesh by ousting the fascist rule of Sheikh Hasina.
1 month ago
Voter Age: BNP criticises CA's proposal
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday alleged that the Chief Adviser’s suggestion to set the minimum age for becoming a voter at 17 has sparked controversy, as it could delay the election process.
“Prof Yunus has proposed that the minimum age for becoming voters should be 17. This means a new voter list would have to be prepared,” he told a discussion.
The programme was organised by a faction of the Jatiya Gonotantrik Party (Jagpa) at the Jatiya Press Club.
Fakhrul said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus talked about a matter on which there is no consensus.
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"Now, people will fear that even more time will be wasted, and further delays will occur to do it (in preparing the voter list). I don't know why there is an impression among the people that this government is deliberately trying to delay the election process, but that is not my perception," he said.
The BNP leader said the Chief Adviser should not have raised the issue without first consulting the stakeholders.
“You are the Chief Executive, and you said that 17 years is better. When you say this, it becomes binding on the Election Commission,” he said.
Fakhrul said the government should have left the matter to the Election Commission, allowing it to make a decision.
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He claimed that the current minimum age of 18 for becoming a voter is acceptable to all.
“If you want to reduce it by one year, then let the new Election Commission propose it and engage in discussions with the political parties. When he (the Chief Adviser) first said 17 years, it became binding and put pressure on the Commission,” the BNP leader said.
1 month ago
Fakhrul returns home from hospital
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir returned to his Gulshan residence on Monday afternoon after receiving treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Savar Cantonment for over two hours.
The BNP Secretary General returned home at 2 pm, said party’s standing committee member Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain.
He said Fakhrul’s condition is now stable, and he is doing well. “He is now taking rest.”
Fakhrul falls sick, taken to Savar CMH
Zahid said the BNP Secretary General underwent several tests at the CMH. “The reports are good. The doctors at the CMH reviewed the results and discharged the BNP Secretary General, allowing him to return home.”
He said that Fakhrul, along with thousands of BNP leaders and activists, paid tribute to the brave martyrs of the Liberation War by laying wreaths at the National Memorial.
“There was a huge crowd there. When the Secretary General was about to speak to the press after paying tribute, he fell ill due to the pressure of the crowd,” Zahid said.
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He was rushed to the CMH. “By the grace of Allah, upon arriving at the hospital, specialist doctors from various departments, including Medicine, Cardiology, and ICU, promptly began treating the Secretary General and conducted some tests.”
1 month ago
BNP expects India to respect Bangladesh's democratic aspirations
Denouncing the attack on the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday expected that Indians would respect the democratic aspirations of the citizens of the new Bangladesh.
“We hope that Indians would respect the democratic aspirations of the citizens of the new Bangladesh and help the trial of the Awami League fascist leaders who stay in India by sending them back (to Bangladesh),” he said in a statement.
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Fakhrul said they strongly condemn the attack by extremists on the premises of the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission at North Agartala in India.
“It is believed that the attack on the premises of the Assistant High Commission by the members of the organisation named "Hindu Sangha Samiti" was pre-planned,” he said.
Tarique's acquittal proves cases were politically motivated: Fakhrul
Taking down the Bangladesh flag, setting it on fire and carrying out vandalism after entering the Assistant High Commission is a clear violation of the Geneva Convention, said the BNP Secretary General.
“We would request the Government of India and the people of India that the use of hatred in Bangladesh as a tactic of your domestic politics will create lasting tension in the relationship between the two countries,” Fakhrul added.
2 months ago
BNP leader Fakhul's bail plea denied in case over vandalising chief justice's residence
A Dhaka court today (November 22, 2023) rejected the bail plea of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in a case filed over vandalising the chief justice's residence during his party’s grand rally on October 28.
Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court’s Acting Judge Foysal Atique Bin Quader passed the order after hearing the bail plea placed by Fakhrul's lawyers.
Though there was a schedule to hold the hearing of the bail plea on November 20, the court later deferred it till November 22 after the state counsel had filed a petition seeking time.
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On November 2, Advocate Joynul Abedin filed a petition seeking bail for the BNP leader. The court fixed November 20 for the hearing.
On October 30, a Dhaka metropolitan magistrate sent Fakhrul to jail in the case after the investigating officer produced him before it with a plea to keep him in jail in connection with the case.
The Detective Branch (DB) of police detained Fakhrul from his Gulshan residence on October 29.
Read: Fakhrul’s bail hearing deferred till Nov 22
Nearly 10 hours after his detention, Mirza Fakhrul was shown arrested in the case.
Fakhrul, among 59 leaders and activists of BNP, was accused in the case filed with Ramna Police Station.
1 year ago