BNP renews its pledge to resist authoritarian forces in order to safeguard democracy

On Thursday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the party's leaders and activists had made a renewed commitment to resist hegemonic forces in order to protect democracy, as well as the country’s independence and sovereignty.

Speaking to reporters at the grave of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, he expressed hope that the interim government would organize the national elections within a reasonable and appropriate timeframe.

"On November 7, after paying tribute to Ziaur Rahman, we pledged to resist fascism alongside the people. If necessary, we will launch a strong movement to protect democracy and preserve the country’s independence and sovereignty," Fakhrul said.

He also expressed confidence that the people of Bangladesh would unite to strengthen the spirit of the student-led revolution.

Earlier, Fakhrul, along with thousands of party leaders and activists, laid wreaths and offered prayers at Ziaur Rahman's grave, observing National Revolution and Solidarity Day. This day marks the civil-military uprising of November 7, 1975, when soldiers and civilians together freed then-Chief of Army Staff Ziaur Rahman from captivity in Dhaka Cantonment, paving the way for him to assume power.

Fakhrul criticized the Awami League government for repeatedly plotting and using repressive measures to eliminate the BNP, accusing it of falsely implicating 6 million people, forcing 700 into enforced disappearance, and killing thousands in efforts to establish one-party rule and fascism.

"However, by the grace of Allah, fascism and hegemonic forces have been defeated for the third time in Bangladesh through the student-led mass movement in 2024," Fakhrul added.

In response to a question, Fakhrul acknowledged the interim government’s effective role over the past three months, saying, "They have made significant progress and continue to do so. If we all cooperate with them, they will be able to hold the election at the right and logical time, addressing the challenges the nation is facing."