BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stated that holding a general election alongside a referendum would reduce costs. However, the current government prefers a referendum first, as it could result in their deposits being forfeited and make retaining power difficult.
He made these remarks on Sunday while addressing a public meeting with residents of Jagannathpur Union at the Daulatpur Girls’ High School field in Thakurgaon Sadar.
Fakhrul claimed that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s actions on 5 August proved her party had no sympathy for its workers or the citizens. Recalling his personal sacrifices, he said, “I have been imprisoned 11 times. Police kept me for five days in cells with death row inmates, but by Allah’s mercy, I was released.”
Condemning the unjust imprisonment of Khaleda Zia and the filing of false cases against 6 million BNP activists, Fakhrul addressed party workers about the upcoming elections, asking if they would vote, if the voting system is reliable, and if everyone could participate. Receiving positive responses, he added, “How many symbols are there this time? Only one symbol—the sheaf of paddy. The boat symbol is not visible. You must choose between the sheaf of paddy and the balance scale.”
Regarding the country’s economic and agricultural crises, he stated, “This year, farmers have suffered losses in paddy and potato production. Despite potatoes being stored in cold storage, they are not being released to the market.” He alleged that the interim government does not understand public hardships and promised that under a BNP government, special cards for mothers and farmers would ensure affordable food, agricultural inputs, and healthcare.
On the political situation, Fakhrul said, “One party insists on a referendum before elections. Do ordinary people understand this? Only some educated individuals are imposing it on us.” He added, “Many of BNP’s reform proposals are acceptable to the government, but they refuse to enter parliament, where debates, votes, and legislation take place.”
Regarding mass killings, he remarked that students were shot in August and July 2024; similar massacres occurred during the 1971 Liberation War. The difference, he noted, is that the Pakistani forces conducted them then, while now it was carried out by the government’s administration.
GLIVE/TSN