Let’s not engage in mudslinging, rather work together to rebuild democracy: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday urged all political forces to avoid the politics of blame and mudslinging and instead work together to restore democracy and rebuild Bangladesh’s economy.

“I want to call upon everyone—let us stop throwing mud at each other. We have now got an opportunity to restore democracy and build a prosperous economy in Bangladesh. Let us work together to take Bangladesh forward and stand raising our heads. Inshallah, we will succeed,” he said while addressing a discussion in the capital.

Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, a youth wing of BNP, arranged the discussion, titled "Anti-Fascist Movement and My Unspoken Words", held at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), marking the anniversary of the 2024 July-August Mass Uprising.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman spoke as the chief guest at the event presided over by Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna. 

Fakhrul urged all to be alert as a conspiracy continues to create obstacles in the transition to democracy.

"Today, a conspiracy is underway, a plot is underway to create instability in the country again, to create a conspiracy in the country so that the transition to democracy in Bangladesh does not go smoothly," he said.

The BNP leader said the country is now in a transitional period and the people are now dreaming to move towards restoration of democracy, which is now the biggest challenge. “Now the economy and political structures are damaged. But we’ll have to move forward by rebuilding these by creating foundations for these (economy and political structures),” he added.

He said historically, BNP has come forward to rebuild the country and its economy every time these were destroyed. “Once again, it seems BNP will have to shoulder that responsibility and face this challenge,” he went on.

Fakhrul described the vision of the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman for rebuilding Bangladesh as similar to Martin Luther King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.

"The path that our leader Tarique Rahman is showing us, the words that he is saying about the economy and politics... When I hear the dream that he is presenting to the country, one thing comes to mind and that is Martin Luther King's historic words... 'I Have a Dream'," he said.

“Tarique Rahman is a dream. Inshallah, we will move forward with that dream, and we shall overcome, Inshallah,” he added.

Another drama is being started: Mirza Abbas

Meanwhile, BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas at the event alleged that the government is staging a “fabricated drama” to delay the election.

“We heard someone --major named Majed or Sajed-- is conspiring to destabilise the government or create an incident in the country. We understand such tricks. They have started a staged drama so that the election can be delayed,” he said.

Mirza Abbas said the people of this country have fought for 17 years to restore their right to vote. “We must realise that right from this government. No matter what conspiracy is being hatched within or outside the government, BNP don’t consider any conspiracy is irresistible.”

The BNP leader said if needed, they are ready to struggle for another 17 years under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, but will not allow any autocratic regime to take root in this country.

BNP honoured family members of 78 Jubo Dal activists who were killed during the July uprising, providing financial support to the families.

The BNP secretary general handed over the financial support to the victim families at the event conducted by Jubo Dal general secretary Nurul Islam Nayan.