Mirza Fakhrul warns that the nation will face dire consequences if the election is not held

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that holding the national election within the announced timeframe is imperative, with no alternative option.

He made the remarks on Friday morning while attending the unveiling ceremony of Roktakto July, a book authored by Syeda Fatema Salam, at the National Press Club as the chief guest.

Fakhrul warned that delaying or avoiding the election would heighten the risk of fascism making a comeback. “The attempt to restore fascism is not only coming from within the country but also from external forces,” he cautioned.

Speaking to BNP leaders and activists, he urged vigilance and humility: “Do not think we are already in power. We are far from it. Many conspiracies and challenges remain ahead. To win the trust of the people, we must work with honesty and dedication.”

On the roadmap for democratic transition, Fakhrul stressed that the desired outcome could only be achieved if political parties acted collectively. “Our movement appears to be losing momentum,” he observed with concern.

He acknowledged that differences among political parties were natural, but noted that under present circumstances such divisions were creating confusion among the public and deepening uncertainty over the election.

Reaffirming BNP’s stance, he said, “A free, fair, and impartial election is the only way to establish the desired system of governance.”

Highlighting his party’s reformist record, Fakhrul reminded that “Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman introduced multi-party democracy and press freedom, while Khaleda Zia strengthened parliamentary democracy.”

Criticising rival political groups, he alleged that baseless propaganda was being spread to discredit BNP. “We must not allow anyone to malign our party,” he insisted.

Fakhrul further added that the people of Bangladesh were yearning for change, and it was BNP’s responsibility to transform that aspiration into reality.

The event was presided over by poet and journalist Abdul Hai Shikdar, with Dr Mahdi Amin, adviser to BNP’s acting chairman, delivering the keynote speech.