BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that his party is not alone in its quest to restore democracy in Bangladesh, rather the entire democratic world is standing in solidarity with their cause. He also called on everyone to prepare to join this movement.
He made the remarks while speaking at a rally held at the party's Naya Paltan central office on the occasion of International Democracy Day.
"We are not alone in this movement. We have the support of the democratic world. Let us unite to establish democracy in Bangladesh. This is our solemn pledge on Democracy Day," he said.
"Our commitment on Democracy Day is clear: we will not participate in elections under the current government at any cost. Elections must be conducted under a non-partisan, neutral government,” said Fakhrul.
Reiterating resignation, dissolution of parliament and transfer power to a non-partisan government, he said, “Why hesitate? If elections are held under a neutral government, they will not even secure 10 seats. That's why they manipulate the administration to suit their interests."
Addressing the imprisonment of Adilur Rahman Khan and ASM Nasir Uddin of Odhikar, the BNP Secretary General said, "Those who spoke up for the people's right to vote, democratic rights, and against extrajudicial killings are being unjustly incarcerated. This government is so apprehensive of dissent that they have imprisoned them for two years."
Fakhrul Islam Alamgir further noted, "The international community has condemned this government's actions and called for the immediate release of these individuals.”
He reminded everyone of the European Union resolution demanding the cancellation of their cases and their immediate release, emphasizing the need to restore democracy and uphold the people's right to vote in Bangladesh.
Referring to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's recent remarks, Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stultified, "The Prime Minister's states that she conducts fair elections and asks questions about them at home and abroad is the best joke of the year."
"Democracy in Bangladesh is in a critical condition. Even international media outlets like The New York Times and The Times of India have raised concerns about its decline," he also bemoaned.
He said the government is unjustly detaining democratic activists, BNP leaders, and workers across the country on false charges and pretexts.
“They want to keep all opposition parties away from the upcoming elections and detain leaders to prevent them from participating in the movement for a neutral, non-partisan government.”
He said, that despite the government's efforts to quash dissent, the turnout is considerable.
“This government cannot evade its inevitable downfall by resorting to arrests and false charges."
