BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir left the country for Canberra, Australia, on Wednesday night for a weeklong personal visit to see his elder daughter. He departed from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a Singapore Airlines flight at approximately 11:55 pm, his personal assistant M Yunus Ali told UNB. “Sir (Fakhrul) is going to meet his daughter and her family members, as his wife, Rahat Ara Begum, is currently staying there,” he said.  He noted that Rahat Ara Begum has been staying with her elder daughter for the past one and a half months.  Yunus also said the BNP Secretary General is expected to return home with his wife after a weeklong stay in Australia. Fakhrul's eldest daughter, Dr. Shamaruh Mirza, is a medical scientist who has been living in Canberra, Australia, since 2006.  While she is a doctor, Shamaruh is primarily recognized as a women's organizer. In 2017, she co-founded SiTara’s Story to provide women from diverse backgrounds a safe space to discuss their challenges and gain confidence. The organization allows women to talk about stigmatized topics without fear, form support networks, and empower themselves. In 2021, SiTara’s Story received the ACT Mental Health Month award, and Shamaruh was a finalist for the Canberra Community Spirits Award.  In 2022, she was honored with Australia’s prestigious award ‘Australian of the Year.’

Stating that Bangladesh is an example of communal harmony, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said that their party, if returns to power, will ensure justice through proper investigations and trials for all incidents of persecution against Hindus. During a visit to the Puja mandap at Dhakeshwari Temple on the first day of Durga Puja, he also expressed the BNP's sympathy for the eight-point demands of the Hindu community. “We’re considering the eight-point that you mentioned...we have our full sympathy for the core issue of the eight-point demand. We can tell you this, just as we have supported you in every problem in the past, we’ll continue to stand by you in the future as well," Fakhrul said. In an oblique reference to the Awami League, the BNP leader said this is unfortunate but true that the members of a particular political party, which claims to be the greatest savior of the minority community, have been involved in all the incidents of repression that have occurred against them in the past. BNP seeks election roadmap, new EC based on political consensus “They (AL men) were also behind the incidents involving the occupation of land and property belonging to your community (Hindu’s) in Bangladesh. If our party forms the government in the future, each incident will be investigated impartially, and justice will be ensured,” he said. At the beginning, Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad General Secretary and daily Kalbela editor Santosh Sharma highlighted the eight-point demand of their community, calling for justice and exemplary punishment for the injustices and abuses suffered by minorities. Fakhrul said some foreign media are spreading propaganda against the communal harmony of Bangladesh with biased and false reports to undermine the political changeover following the fall of the Awami League through a mass uprising. “I won't say nothing happened. Some of the incidents that happened were not communal in nature but political incidents.” The BNP leader recounted how their party leaders and activists struggled for 15 years against the Awami League government, enduring repression, killings, enforced disappearances and imprisonment in false cases. He paid tribute to the more than 1,500 people who were martyred during the recent mass uprising and called upon the government to provide compensation for the martyrs and support for their families. Fakhrul, on behalf of the BNP and its chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, extended greetings to the Hindu community on the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja.

Any effort of the interim government will not succeed if the “ghost of fascism” is not eradicated from the administration, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Saturday. Speaking at a discussion on the occasion of World Teachers' Day, Fakhrul highlighted the state of the country's administration. The discussion was organised by the teachers-employees union at Institution of Engineers Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium in the capital’s Ramna. Refering to the interim government, Fakhrul said that the fascist regime, which had long oppressed the people, engaged in corruption and looting with the support of these "ghosts," who remain entrenched in the administration. BNP reiterates call for fair elections to ensure democratic Bangladesh "These ghosts must be eliminated; otherwise, you won't be able to achieve anything," he added. Regarding the timing of elections, he said, “We will certainly allow time, but it must be reasonable. The people of Bangladesh believe in democracy. A parliamentary government should be established through free and fair elections, and that government must lead the nation.” "We do not support depoliticisation. We reject the idea of 'minus two' formula, as well as any resurgence of radicalisation, militancy, or terrorism. What we truly desire is a healthy, liberal democratic system in the country," he said. Fakhrul added, "That’s why we have entrusted the interim government with this responsibility. We believe these individuals are qualified and capable, and we urge them to act with urgency." Expressing optimism, the BNP leader said, "We have never failed. We emerged victorious in 1952, '69, '71, and in 1990 under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia. Our movement is now being led by Acting Chairman Tariq Rahman. Inshallah, we will win again this time." Regarding nationalisation of teachers, Fakhrul said, "Nationalisation alone will not solve all your problems. We need to enhance the quality of education and bring in qualified individuals." Fakhrul against banning Awami League "Let me emphasize this: teachers should not be involved in party politics. They need to stay away from political affiliations; otherwise, our educational institutions will suffer," he observed. "You might not like this, but I know the Awami League has influenced everything—from the peon to the president of the governing body. We must move beyond this situation and create a positive environment in our educational institutions. We should focus on bringing in individuals who are connected to the community, educated, and capable of making a difference. If this is done sincerely, then change will follow; otherwise, it will remain elusive," he said. Reflecting on the potential for new possibilities in the country, the BNP Secretary General said, "I am an optimistic person. We will forge national unity with everyone and establish true people's rule in this country. We will fulfill the dreams of Madam (Khaleda Zia) and Tarique Rahman." Interim Government must announce an election roadmap: Hafiz Uddin During the meeting, leaders of the teachers-employees union, including Chowdhury Mugis Uddin Mahmud and Zakir Hossain, as well as Nurul Haque Nur, convenor of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, spoke. The meeting was presided over by Salim Bhuiya, president of the teachers-employees union.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir thinks that the current constitution of the country should be rewritten, as the Awami League government has damaged it through various amendments, including the incorporation of certain unchangeable articles. In an interview with UNB, he, however, said the current interim government should only make necessary amendments to the constitution to facilitate a national election rather than pursuing major amendments or reformulating the national charter. Fakhrul said the national parliament, which will be formed through the next election, will determine whether to retain the current constitution with amendments or formulate a new one. He also said the BNP is ready for the next national election, but the party plans to hold its 7th national council before the polls to ensure better leadership and preparation. This is the final report in a three-part series based on a recent interview with Mirza Fakhrul, who discussed various issues, including the current political situation, government reforms, the national election, BNP's future plans, and the party's council. Fakhrul wants interim govt to focus on reforms for credible elections "The constitution must be changed. The Awami League has completely dented it with various amendments,” Fakhrul said. He said certain articles in the constitution cannot be amended for life. “If you change these articles, you will be hanged. Given the current state of the constitution, it should be rewritten.” The BNP leader said an elected government and parliament are necessary for making a final decision about the constitution. “A constitutional assembly also would be needed to reformulate the constitution, which takes time… let the elected parliament decide.” Article 7B of the constitution, following the 15th amendment, rendered a large section of the constitution non-amendable. According to Article 7B, “Notwithstanding anything contained in article 142 of the Constitution, the preamble, all articles of Part I, all articles of Part II, subject to the provisions of Part IXA all articles of Part III, and the provisions of articles relating to the basic structures of the Constitution including article 150 of Part XI shall not be amendable by way of insertion, modification, substitution, repeal or by any other means.” Asked about the BNP’s preparation for the polls, Fakhrul said their party is always ready for elections, as it is a party with the potential to come to power. Prof Yunus-led govt's first month in office marked by reform initiatives, diplomatic success and greater public trust “Those of us involved in BNP politics want to take responsibility for running the state and serving the people. We also do not have a shortage of suitable candidates in any constituency; we have four, five, or even 10 candidates per seat,” he said. The BNP leader said they are working to revitalise the party in various ways. 'We previously reorganised our party for a movement, so we won’t face any problems whenever the election is held." He said they are currently they planning to launch a membership drive across the country, after which they will hold the national council ahead of the election. “I believe we should convene the council immediately to strengthen our electoral structure.” Asked when BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman may return home from the UK, Fakhrul said he would come back once the legal barriers are removed. “There are several cases against Tarique Rahman, and he will return to the country as soon as those are cleared.” The BNP leader said the interim government committed during their first meeting to withdraw all cases against political leaders and activists, including Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman. He mentioned that they will write a letter to the government requesting the withdrawal of all cases filed against BNP leaders and activists since 2007. Regarding the demand from various political parties and civil society members for introducing a proportional representation (PR) system in elections, Fakhrul said it is not suitable for Bangladesh.  “We won’t support it. This method is not practiced in Bangladesh, so there is no question of its application in this election,” he observed. Replying to a question about BNP’s current relationship with Jamaat, he said there is no visible distance between the two parties. “BNP and Jamaat have completely different politics, thoughts, and ideals. Those who wish to establish the Awami League's politics try to bracket BNP and Jamaat together. We allied with Jamaat for the sake of the movement and elections, but our political ideologies and perspectives are different,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul against banning Awami League In response to another question about whether Jamaat would be part of BNP’s coalition in the next election, he said, 'It's too early to say. We will gauge public opinion before the election and decide whether we’ll participate independently or as part of an alliance.” Fakhrul emphasised the urgent need to restructure the police force, which he stated has been destroyed by the previous government. “All members of the force involved in misconduct and misdeeds must be dismissed. Those who have been politically marginalised should be reinstated quickly. New recruitment must be completed promptly, and the new members should be trained in a short time. Additionally, some retired officers who still have the capacity could be brought back to address the current crisis,” he said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has questioned how former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed and his family members “left the country without obstruction” despite the allegations of amassing assets illegally. Speaking at a discussion on Saturday, he also said this exposes the ruling party leaders’ claims of not sparing wrongdoers as “mere eyewash and deception.” “I saw a media report that Benazir and his family went to Singapore, leaving the country on May 4. Before leaving, he emptied all his bank accounts and withdrew around Tk 60 crore. I don’t know whether the amount is much bigger,” Fakhrul said. Govt bears responsibility for misdeeds of Aziz, Benazir: Fakhrul The BNP leader further said, “My question is, how did he leave the country? What is the significance of a court order to confiscate his assets and freeze his bank accounts and the Anti-Corruption Commission’s move to file a case against him? When he was told he wouldn’t be allowed to go anywhere, how did he sneak off to Singapore right under the government's nose?” He said the ruling party leaders also made remarks that no one involved in corruption would be spared. “Do they (the government) think people are stupid? They understand all these are eyewash and deceptions. You’re ruling the country by resorting to trickery.” Bangladesh Sammilita Peshajibi Parishad, a platform of pro-BNP professionals, organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 43rd death anniversary of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman. Fakhrul said the government not only nurtured Benazir and Aziz Ahmed (former army chief) but also promoted countless corrupt individuals. He said that Awami League has turned Bangladesh into a “safe haven for plundering.” Why Aziz, Benazir yet to be arrested, asks Manna “We must protect the country from it. We believe that through the struggle of the people of Bangladesh, we will defeat this monster that is wreaking havoc everywhere, establish a government of the people, and restore true democracy," the BNP leader said. Fakhrul said BNP, together with many other opposition parties, have long been carrying out a movement for the restoration of democracy.Stating that they must achieve victory and success in their struggle, the BNP leader said their party will never step back from its ultimate goal of establishing people’s voting rights and democracy. “Our goal remains unwavering. Strategies may change over time; we will decide that through discussions…we’re working hard to organise them all. We believe we have not failed. We have started working again. Inshallah, victory will be ours as we’re fighting on the path of truth and justice," Fakhrul observe. Law to take its own course, says Salman F Rahman about Aziz, Benazir

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday alleged that the government is picking up innocent people and branding them as militants to get the attention of the Western world and India.  “You have seen a few days ago that some ordinary and  innocent people were picked up from a locality, which they mentioned as a deep jungle and labeled them as militants,” he said. Speaking at a discussion meeting, the BNP leader said the government did it to show that there are militancy and fanatics in Bangladesh. “And only they (AL govt) are needed to suppress the militants. This is their main purpose, this is what they want to show to the Western world and India. BNP chalks out programmes to celebrate 45th founding anniversary In fact, he said the current regime and Awami League are militants as they are killing and destroying the common people and taking away all their rights by imposing the tag of terrorism and militancy on them. “Yes the people of this country are religious… it is neither  a sin nor a crime. The government is trying to make (political) political gains by branding people who practice religion as militants,” he observed. A faction of Jatiya Party (Zafar) arranged the discussion at the Institution of the Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh, marking the 8th death anniversary of its founder Kazi Zafar Ahmed. Fakhrul said the current government has strongly established the rule of a one-person and one-party by snatching all rights of people and ruining all the institutions. “The existence of our nation now depends on whether we can remove the fascism. “ Dhaka South BNP to stage demos on Tuesday He said it is encouraging that people are protesting and waking up against the current fascist regime and 22 people have sacrificed their lives on the streets over the one year. The BNP leader said that the democratic forces must suppress the fascists to establish democracy and a democratic state system. He alleged that the government picked up six Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leaders from a house and showed them arrested with three arms after 48 hours. “Those weapons appear to have been hidden under the earth 20/25 years and brought from there that day.  This false propaganda is an attempt to fool people. They think people of all countries are fools, but everyone understands that they (govt) want to stay in power by resorting to deception like this,” the BNP leader said. Democracy not safe in BNP's hands: Quader Fakhrul also slammed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her Monday's remarks against BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and the Zia family. “The prime minister who usurped power called Ziaur Rahman's family a killer. I strongly condemn and protest it.” He said most opposition political parties are now decided not to join any election under the current Awami League government. The BNP leader said the Prime Minister must quit and hand over power to a non-party neutral government by dissolving parliament to pave the way for holding a credible national election and ensuring a democratic process in the country.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday alleged that the trial process of the August-21 grenade attack case was nothing but a “stage-managed drama”. Speaking at a conference at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, he also claimed that their party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman and other leaders were not involved in any way in the grenade attack. "The trial process has ended. I would like to say the whole thing (trial process) is absolutely a stage-managed drama," the BNP leader said. Zia was behind August 15 killings, Tarique behind August 21: Hasan Mahmud He alleged that the names of Tarique Rahman and other BNP leaders have been included in the case deliberately out of political vendetta. “We have records that this was done without any proper investigation.” Fakhrul said Tarique’s name was not there in the first three first information reports (FIRs) of the case. August 21 grenade attack: HC starts hearing on death references, convicts’ appeals Later, he said retired police officer Abdul Kahar Akhand, who sought Awami League nomination, was re-appointed and made the Investigation Officer (IO) of the case. “That gentleman gave Tarique Rahman's name there in the FIR." The BNP leader also said Tarique’s name was not mentioned anywhere in the entire investigation. He said only Mufti Hannan was forced to tell Tarique’s name after being remanded for about 145 days, but he denied it later and gave an affidavit in this regard. Fakhrul said the Awami League shifted their scheduled venue of the August-21 rally to another place without informing the then authorities of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police. August 21 grenade attack: Date for death reference hearing likely Monday “We have repeatedly said that there should be an impartial and fair investigation into the grenade attack incident. That neutral investigation was not done. We condemn the August-21 incident. It’s definitely one of the heinous incidents in Bangladesh politics and it’s condemnable,” he said. The BNP leader said the government has been trying to make a political gain by ‘unnecessarily’ implicating the BNP leaders in the case. "We repeat that Tariq Rahman, BNP's Abdus Salam Pintu or Lutfuzzaman Babar were not involved in the attack and they’re implicated in it for political reasons," he said. The August 21 grenade attack was carried out at an anti-terrorism rally organised by the then-opposition Awami League in 2004 in front of its central office on Bangabandhu Avenue, killing 24 people and injuring nearly 1,000. On October 10, 2018, a Dhaka court convicted and sentenced 49 people -- 19 of them to death and 19 others to life imprisonment. Eleven others were sentenced to jail on different terms. Tarique and 18 others were sentenced to life in prison while former state minister for home Lutfozzaman Babar and ex-deputy minister Abdus Salam Pintu and 17 others were given the death penalty on charges of killing through criminal conspiracy.

Voicing deep concerns over the crude bomb explosions in the capital ahead of the party’s public rally on Wednesday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday alleged that the government is trying to unleash violence in the country to blame the opposition party. "They (govt) are trying again to push the entire country and the nation towards violence deliberately through provocations, he said. Speaking at a training programme for the female leaders and workers of BNP, Fakhrul said some media outlets reported about the crude bomb explosions in the city's Moghbazar area on Monday night. “It is a very deliberate and conspiratorial move by those who want to destroy the democracy in Bangladesh and to malign and blame the opposition parties.” Also read: One-point Movement: BNP sits with four allies He alleged that the government carried out the incident through its various agencies to give the impression that BNP was behind it. The BNP leader said their party has announced to hold a peaceful public rally in the capital on Wednesday as they did in the past. “But they (AL) have announced a so-called counter programme, 'peace rally' and 'peace march', pushing the country towards conflict." He warned that the government will have to shoulder all the responsibilities for taking the country towards violence with its provocative acts and programmes. Fakhrul called upon the government to back off from these terrible efforts to destabilise the country and work for creating a truly democratic state system in the country by accepting the opposition’s demand for holding an acceptable national election under a neutral administration. Also read: BNP seeks cops' cooperation in holding Dhaka rally Wednesday The BNP's 'Training Cell' arranged the day-long training workshop for women representatives of the party in collaboration with United States-based 'Democracy International (DI)' at party the chairperson's office in Gulshan. Fakhrul said the government has recently been saying that they do not obstruct the political parties from doing their political activities. “It’s a complete lie and fraudulence." “Awami League has a characteristic problem that they do not believe in democracy. They choose dictatorship and feudalism. They have a mindset that there‘s no one else in the country except them and they’re the only owners of the country,” he said. Also read: Govt has taken elections as weapon to establish fascism: Fakhrul The BNP leader said it is unfortunate for the nation that there is no democracy in the country while the democratic space for the political parties has been destroyed. He questioned whether there is any democratic party in the world except BNP, whose four million leaders and workers are facing false political cases and the chief of the party has been convicted on false charges and all the senior leaders of the party are facing false cases on fake charges. Citing a newspaper report, Fakhrul alleged that the government is trying to speed up the trial in the cases filed against him and their party chief Khaleda Zia. “They’ve instructed the police authorities and even the Law Ministry issued a letter to the judges to speed up the trial and dispose of the cases (against opposition leaders and activists)…the rulers are doing this as they don’t believe in democracy. They want to hang onto power and they don’t respect and count the other political parties.” Also read: Fakhrul sets up big expectations from next Wednesday's BNP rally Fakhrul said they have been carrying out a movement for the restoration of democracy in a democratic manner as the usurper government held two elections completely deceiving people by force. “Competitive elections are the key elements to uphold the democratic practice…but the rulers in this country talk about democracy, but they never practice it,” he said. The BNP leader said there are now many discussions about the frequent trips of delegations from different countries to Bangladesh. Also read: Govt hacking opposition leaders’ smartphones by using ‘Pegasus’ spyware, alleges Fakhrul “An American delegation is coming today (Tuesday) while a team of EU has already arrived here to know about human rights democracy and elections here. Why do they come to Bangladesh? Because there’s no democracy here and there’re no (credible) elections and elections are not held (fairly) here,” Fakhrul observed. He said a level-playing field having equal opportunity for all political parties is necessary for a good election, but it is not possible to ensure when the government tries to suppress opposition leaders and activists by arresting, jailing, killing, and implicating them in false cases and when it tries to prevent the opposition from function and holding their programmes by using the state machinery. Also read: Fakhrul hopeful about success of one-point movement  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said that there will be no compromise on the question of neutral government, and it would be resolved on streets, if necessary. “The government has started shaking. They made one statement in the morning and another in the evening. The issue of a neutral government will not be subject to negotiation, the decision will be taken on the streets through procession,” he said. Read: People won’t get deceived thrice by joining polls under AL govt: Fakhrul Addressing the biennial conference of Gazipur Metropolitan BNP as the chief guest on Sunday, Mirza Fakhrul also said that Awami League would not be able to get even 10 seats, if there is a caretaker government. That is why the ruling party's General Secretary termed the caretaker government as a dead issue, he said. Read: Govt starts fresh game in the name of election: Fakhrul “But no, the issue of a caretaker government has remained alive. The whole world wants a free and fair election in Bangladesh,” he added. Marking the Awami League as a terrorist party, the secretary general said, “Awami League is not a people’s party. That’s why they don’t want an election. Their body language proves that they are nothing but terrorists.” Fakhrul criticised the ruling parry, saying it has established an autocratic rule. Read: AL leaders trying to mislead people with comments on talks: Fakhrul “…the Awami League government has ruined our dream,” he said. City BNP acting convener M Monjurul Karim Rony presided over the function where BNP Organising Secretary Abdus Salam Azad delivered the inaugural speech at the conference. BNP Central Social Welfare Secretary Kamruzzaman Ratan, Organising Secretary and Gazipur District BNP President Fazlul Haque Milan, among others, spoke.      

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said the country’s people have to establish their voting rights through a fierce movement as there is no chance of a good sense prevailing upon the Awami League government. He also alleged that the government is trying to suppress the ongoing movement of people by sending opposition leaders and activists to jail and establishing its control on the state machinery. Talking to reporters after placing wreaths at the grave of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, the BNP leader  made remarks while giving the party’s reaction to the High Court verdicts that upheld the jail term of BNP leaders Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku, Amanullah Aman and his wife Sabera Aman in separate corruption cases. “These verdicts have manifested that the government has grabbed the entire state machinery, including the judiciary. They are trying to subdue the democratic movement by sending the opposition leaders and activists to jail with dictated verdicts,” he said. The BNP leader strongly denounced the apex court’s verdicts against Tuku, Aman and Sabera. “We think these are dictated judgment. The democratic movement can never be stopped by such judgments. People must realise their rights." Fakhrul, along with BNP leaders and activists, paid homage to Zia by placing wreaths at his grave in the capital’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, marking the 42nd death anniversary of the party’s founder. Earlier in the day, a High Conch bench of Justice Md Nazrul Islam Talukder and Justice Khizir Hayat upheld the jail term of BNP standing committee member Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku, and party’s Dhaka north city unit convener Amanullah Aman and his wife Sabera Aman in separate graft cases. Also Read: Govt softens tone on talks to resolve crisis over next polls: Fakhrul Fakhrul said their party is aggrieved at the court’s verdicts. “It is clear from these incidents that there is no possibility of prevailing good sense upon this government. The only way to defeat this regime and bring back the rule of law, democracy, democratic system and fair elections is a fierce movement of people.” He said the government has been making various efforts to keep the people of the country away from democratic rights, and politics. “The government is also working so that a fair and neutral can’t be held. They want to hold a lopsided election further. But this time people will not allow it.” Also Read: US visa policy reflects people’s long-standing demand for restoration of voting rights: Fakhrul The BNP leader said they are observing the death anniversary of their party founder at a time when the country’s people have lost their voting and other democratic rights under the current one-party rule. “On this day we’ve taken a new oath that we will restore the lost democracy of Bangladesh at any cost,” he said. BNP and its associate bodies observed the 42nd death anniversary of its founder and former president Ziaur Rahman with various programmes. Ziaur Rahman who founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in 1978 was assassinated by a group of disgruntled army officers at Chittagong Circuit House on 30 May, 1981. Apart from BNP its different units and associate bodies paid homage to Zia and offered fateha at his grave on the occasion.