People don’t want to see AL anymore

The 18 crore people of Bangladesh no longer wish to see the Awami League due to its oppression, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said yesterday.

He made the remarks at a rally organised by the BNP at the Polo Ground in Chattogram city. The event, titled "Rally to Establish Political Rights of the Youth," was attended by thousands of leaders and activists of districts under the Chattogram division.

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Fakhrul said, "While you're holding a rally here at this ground, another rally is taking place in New Market in the city. Another rally is going on in Dhaka. And what is the demand? The demand is to ban the Awami League, isn't it? Not only all of us who are here, my friends, but also the 18 crore people of Bangladesh don't want to see the Awami League. Since the country's independence, Awami League oppressed the people, destroyed democracy, and established one-party rule through Baksal regime."

He claimed that Ziaur Rahman, late president and founder of BNP, implemented the first state reform by restoring democracy after a period of one-party rule."

Zia granted freedom to the press, ensured the independence of the judiciary, liberalised the economy, and laid the foundation for today's economic growth -- whether through establishing the garment industry or by facilitating overseas employment, Fakhrul added.

He said, "Today, the main aim of Tarique Rahman behind these youth rallies is simple -- you, the youth, have awakened, you have defeated the fascist, you have forced her [Sheikh Hasina] to leave the country. Now, reclaim your rights with courage, my friends. Stay calm but vigilant -- every conspiracy, every plot must be overcome."

Speaking at the rally as the special guest, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury praised the youth for their fight to restore democracy and the people's rights.

For these, countless lives have been lost over the past 15 years, he said.

Khasru said that thousands of party activists were murdered or forcibly disappeared during the autocratic rule, while around 6 to 7 million were falsely implicated in legal cases. Some died in police custody; many were forced to flee their homes, taking shelter in paddy fields and remote areas. Yet, the movement never stopped.

"We have sacrificed much to return Bangladesh to its people," the BNP leader said, adding that democracy must not be held hostage anymore.

He, however, said the signs are there.

"No group should be allowed to hold the people hostage for their own interests. If anyone has a political vision or programme for the country, they must present it before the people. No one should be allowed to seize the country's future, ignoring its citizens," Khasru.

Khasru said the new political arrangements floated by some party have already been proposed by Tarique Rahman and Khaleda Zia through their 31-point reform agenda.

"We have visited every district, all corners of the country. Tell me, has any other party presented their reform proposals before the people as we have done?"

He added that in the upcoming election, they would seek the people's mandate based on the 31-point agenda. If the people give them the mandate, a national government will be formed according to this framework.

He said the national government will include all stakeholders of the uprising and who faced oppression during the autocratic regime.

Former Bangladesh cricket captain Tamim Iqbal also spoke at the rally.

Naming several young BNP leaders, Tamim said that he regularly speaks to BNP leaders for the welfare of sports. "We discuss how we can bring back Chattogram's sporting glory."

He said he was confident that when the youth get the opportunity, they would do their utmost to advance sports in Chattogram -- whether in cricket, football, badminton, or any other disciplines.

Citing his health condition, the former skipper said, "I'm happy to receive your love today. As you know, I have health issues and am recovering slowly. I shouldn't speak too much."

Swechchhasebak Dal President SM Zilani presided over the event.