Amid criticisms of the party’s early election demand, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has clarified that they are demanding the polls be held after minimum reforms, not right now. “We’re not saying the election must be held right now. But if polls are arranged after implementing minimum reforms, many problems will be resolved,” he said while addressing a discussion on Tuesday. No conflict between reform and election: Fakhrul The programme, titled Grantha Adda (Chatting on Books), was organised by Zia Smriti Pathagar at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 89th birth anniversary of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman and the 12th founding anniversary of the organisation. Fakhrul said many people, especially students, misunderstand him as to why he talks so much about the election. “I say this because I believe, though I don’t know if my belief is right or wrong, that any elected government is much better than an unelected one,” he said. The BNP leader said people have access to an elected government, which is currently lacking. Besides, he said, if the election is held, many of the problems the country is facing now will disappear, as the elected government will come to power with public mandate. “Those who are currently in power, (interim government), have not yet been able to set themselves, as they lack the confidence to understand the language of the people. I believe an elected government understands the people's language better,” Fakhrul said. Fakhrul’s statement political, no distance with govt: Rizwana He thanked the students for raising their voices for change in society and the governance system. At the same time, he urged all not to take any reckless steps that would only create anarchy in the country. “We must keep it in mind that we will not do anything that will lead to anarchy,” the BNP leader said. “If we want to contain the instability prevailing here, we must move forward with patience. We must be careful not to do anything that will create more chaos and invite further danger,” he warned. The BNP leader also urged all not to lose patience or hope. “We have high expectations but very little patience." Fakhrul said that although only a few months have passed since the interim government took charge, many people have become crazy as they are taking to the streets with different demands and blocking roads. “It’s natural that this government will make mistakes because they were not in government or politics before and did not understand politics. We must give them that time,” he said. Fakhrul lamented that the quality of education in the country has significantly declined, as the education sector has been destroyed. He said the current government has formed various commissions but none focused on education, which he described as most essential. BNP to prosecute ‘fallen fascists’ if voted to power: Fakhrul The BNP leader also said no visible efforts have been made to improve the standard of education or resolve the problems in the sector. He opposed the lottery system for admissions to educational institutions and said it should be abolished soon for establishing a merit-based education system.

European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday and discussed a range of issues relating to Bangladesh’s upcoming election, democratic transition and foreign investment. The hour-long meeting, which began around 3:30pm, was held at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Some people trying to undermine national unity: Fakhrul BNP Standing Committee members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organising Secretary Shama Obed were also present at the meeting. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Khosru said the discussions focused on Bangladesh’s electoral roadmap, necessary reforms, the economy, and other issues vital to the country’s current context.

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. Khasru trashes minus-two formula, calls for restoration of democracy 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. Mirza Fakhrul calls for non-political unity in sports 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. 'Jamaat chief’s remarks hurt, still hope for united movement': BNP leader "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.

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. BNP expels Lalbagh Ward leader over extortion  “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. Rizvi calls Jamaat's statement on patriotism "ridiculous" “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.

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. Voter Age: BNP criticises CA's proposal 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. Rizvi warns interim govt against setting reform and election on opposite poles 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. ‘Advisers not fit to be our opponents’: BNP’s Nazrul 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. Interim govt weakest in history, election needed by 2025: BNP leader “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.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday demanded a thorough investigation into the fire at the Secretariat to identify the real culprits. In a statement, he also expressed deep concern over the fire incident that broke out in the sensitive Secretariat building last night, leaving one person dead. “The devastating fire at the Secretariat has caused significant damages, with important documents reduced to ashes. It is not unusual that the current interim government finds itself in an embarrassing situation in the wake of such an incident,” the BNP leader said. “I strongly demand that the real culprits be identified and punished through a proper investigation into the fire,” he said. BNP expresses concerns over cyber protection ordinance Fakhrul called upon the government to provide appropriate compensation to the family of the fire victim and those injured in the incident. The fire, which broke on the sixth floor of Secretariat Building No. 7 around 1:52 am, was completely extinguished after 10 hours of firefighting efforts.  The fire severely damaged four floors of Building No. 7, from the sixth to the ninth, which housed multiple key ministries and divisions.

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. Rizvi slams interim govt over price hike, extortion 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.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday hoped that the interim government will arrange the national election soon in line with people's desire.  "We’re always optimistic. We’re cooperating with the interim government. Hopefully, an election will be arranged soon as per the will of the people," he said while speaking to reporters after paying homage to the martyred intellectuals. The BNP leader said people will get the opportunity to elect their representatives through a free, fair, and impartial election. BNP pays homage to martyred intellectuals Fakhrul said a new opportunity to build the country has been created by defeating the fascist forces through the student-led July-August mass uprising. “By taking advantage of this opportunity, we want to establish Bangladesh as a truly democratic and modern state without discrimination,” he said. Fakhrul recalled the self-sacrifices of the intellectuals in the country’s Liberation War. “Today is Martyred Intellectuals Day. On this day in 1971, we lost the best sons of the nation as the Pakistani occupying forces abducted and killed Bangladesh's prominent journalists, intellectuals, professors, scientists, and prominent figures of civil society just moments before the victory,” he said. The BNP leader said the people of Bangladesh fought in 1971 to build an independent, democratic and prosperous Bangladesh. He urged all to take a vow to build a self-reliant, new democratic Bangladesh to materialise the dream of the martyred intellectuals and those who sacrificed their lives for liberating the country. Fakhrul said they paid homage to the martyred intellectuals on behalf of their party, its chairperson Khaleda Zia, and acting chairman Tarique Rahman. Chief Adviser pays tribute to martyred intellectuals “We pray for the salvation and eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyred intellectuals,” he said. Earlier, Fakhrul along with some party senior leaders, paid tributes to martyred intellectuals by placing a wreath at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial at Mirpur in the city, marking the Martyred Intellectuals’ Day. BNP kept the national flag at half-mast and hoisted black flags atop all its, including the Nayapaltan central one, to mark the day.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday protested Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam's accusation that political parties were trying to undermine the interim government and demanded the statement be withdrawn. “I don't know why or in what context he said this, or whether he understood the meaning of it. This is a dangerous allegation. I strongly condemn and protest against it. I think he should withdraw his comment,” he told a discussion. The BNP arranged the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking the Martyred Intellectuals Day, which will be observed across the country on Saturday. Fakhrul called upon the interim government to be cautious in making its statements. “Please don't make political parties your opponents.” He said the students, the people, and political parties, including the BNP, have all entrusted the interim government with the responsibility to create an environment in which a fair election can be held and a people's government and parliament can be established. Turkish jurists meet BNP leaders, discuss judicial system “Political parties are supporting you (govt), but you're claiming they are working to make you fail. We have stated this countless times, and our acting chairman has also said that the failure of this government would mean the failure of the people and of us. So, why do you make such statements?" the BNP leader said. He said the government and democratic forces must be very cautious with their words and actions. “We shouldn’t say anything that undermines our victory or destroys our achievements. This is the most critical time—one wrong step could lead to a setback, causing you to fall into a ditch," Fakhrul cautioned. Fakhrul said the "fascist" ruler Sheikh Hasina, who fled Bangladesh and took refuge in India, is actively working against the interests of the country. He also said the Awami League leaders and workers are continuously engaging in false propaganda and spreading misinformation against the country using social media. The BNP leader urged his party colleagues to be active on social media, countering the misinformation with facts and intellectual discourse. He said BNP leaders and workers must continue their efforts to institutionalise democracy and establish a healthy democratic political culture in Bangladesh. BNP criticises Adviser Nahid over remarks on political parties “There is still much work ahead of us. Many people believe their job is done now as Hasina has fled, but we have a long way to go before we can make democracy both a culture and a system. Let’s take an oath that we will build ourselves into worthy citizens of the country and dedicated democratic workers,” Fakhrul said. He said democracy is not just a notion but a culture. “We must learn how to speak, how to behave, how to interact with our neighbours, and how to engage with our political opponents in a democratic way. Democracy does not mean cutting someone's throat for supporting the Awami League or BNP. Democracy means absolute tolerance.” Fakhrul also expressed concern over a current tendency to overshadow the 1971 Liberation War by glorifying the recent mass upsurge. “I believe this is part of a larger conspiracy to distance the nation from its original history. We see this as a distortion of history, and we must be careful about it.”

Expressing relief over the High Court's acquittal of Tarique Rahman in the August 21 grenade attack cases, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated on Sunday  said this verdict has manifested all the cases filed against their party Acting Chairman were politically motivated and conspiratorial. “Tarique Rahman was acquitted by the High Court after legally facing the charges brought against him,” he said in a statement. Fakhrul, now in London, issued the statement following the High Court's verdict in the two cases filed over the August 21 grenade attack. The judgement has shown that the Awami ‘fascist’ government accused Tarique Rahman in these cases with political motives, he said. “Through this historic verdict, it has been demonstrated once again that all the cases filed against Tarique Rahman were political conspiracies,” Fakhrul said. He expressed his gratitude to Allah for the verdict and called upon party leaders and activists across the country to pray for Tarique's well-being. Commission to recommend dropping of word 'Cadre' from civil service Earlier, at a press conference at the BNP's Nayapaltan central office, party Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi expressed his satisfaction, saying that justice has been served as the High Court acquitted Tarique Rahman and the others convicted in the two cases. Rizvi said when retired police officer Abdul Kahar Akhand was reappointed and made the investigation officer (IO) of the cases during the Awami League rule, it became clear to them that the government had malicious intentions. The BNP leader also alleged that the Awami League government had used state power to forcibly convict Tarique Rahman and other BNP leaders in the cases. “We have got the proper judgement from the apex court. Some of the justice for which we have been engaged in a long political struggle has been reflected in the verdict,” he said. Earlier in the day, the High Court (HC) had overturned the verdict of a lower court in two cases filed over the August 21 grenade attack, acquitting all convicts, including BNP's Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman and former state minister for home affairs Lutfozzaman Babar. Appeal depends on review: AG about grenade attack case verdict   An HC bench comprising Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice Syed Enayet Hossain delivered the judgement on Sunday. The court also declared the charge sheet in the case illegal. The grenade attack, a shocking incident, occurred on Dhaka's Bangabandhu Avenue on August 21, 2004.