People will need to rally in the streets to demand voting rights

People will need to take to the streets, as they did on August 5, to demand their right to vote, said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at a rally in Thakurgaon yesterday. 

"Do you truly want change, or are you willing to accept the Awami League again? If not, we must take to the streets, just as we did on August 5," he stated during the rally at Shibganj Degree College ground. 

"We must stand up for our right to vote, food, justice, and dignity. This is your country, and it's your responsibility to protect it. If necessary, we will fight again for the people and the nation. Let us unite in the coming days," Fakhrul added.

He also criticized certain individuals for spreading confusion through their statements. 

"Some people, especially those in positions of responsibility, are making misleading and provocative remarks. Stop confusing the people. Enough is enough; we’ve already suffered and sacrificed." 

On the national elections, Fakhrul emphasized, "We want a peaceful election where people can freely cast their votes and elect their chosen candidates. Those elected will bring changes to the governance system."

Fakhrul stated that the BNP does not seek revenge but aims to build a new Bangladesh for all. Reflecting on the party's 15-year struggle, he highlighted the oppression faced by its leaders and activists, as well as the false cases filed against them.

"Even now, our party members are required to appear in court. But some claim the BNP cannot do anything. The situation after August 5 is the result of our 15 years of struggle," he asserted.

On the issue of reforms, Fakhrul explained that discussions are ongoing, but he emphasized that reforms must ensure people's ability to vote and have their concerns addressed in parliament.

In another development, the BNP held meetings with leaders from the Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM) and Gono Odhikar Parishad (Faruk-Jaman faction) at the party chairperson's office in Gulshan. These meetings focused on the current political situation, elections, and reforms.

Leaders from the three parties expressed the need for the chief adviser to consult with political parties before announcing the election date. "We were not informed about the election timeframe suggested by the chief adviser. This was not discussed with any of us," said Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, BNP standing committee member.

"We do not understand the reason behind the extended election timeline. We see no justification for it," Khasru added, emphasizing the importance of timely elections. NDM Chairman Bobby Hajjaj and Faruk Hasan of Gono Odhikar Parishad also echoed concerns about the unclear election timeline.