Fakhrul calls for unity to sustain victory

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday (13 September) emphasised the importance of maintaining unity to ensure the success of the student-led movement's victory.

"The victory achieved through the student revolution will only be consolidated if unity is maintained," he said.

Stating that there is a well-planned attempt to destroy the unity of political parties and people, the BNP leader said, "It must be resisted."

He made these remarks while speaking at a reception at the Jatiya Press Club in honour of noted journalist Mushfiqul Fazal Ansari, marking his return home from the USA after a decade-long exile.

The event was organized by the Jatiya Press Club, BFUJ, DUJ, Dhaka Reporters' Unity, and the Journalists' Cooperative Society Limited.

Fakhrul criticized the autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina for resorting to coercive policies to suppress her political opponents and dissent.

"Many people were subjected to widespread repression and torture. Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey is one of them," he said.

Describing Mushfiq as the true hero of democracy, the BNP leader said, "Mushfiq will remain a hero to us, to the people of this country, and to those who yearn for democracy. When we were unable to speak, Mushfiq took on the responsibility of being the spokesperson for Bangladesh's democracy in America and Europe. Such sons need to be born in every home in Bangladesh."

Fakhrul said Mushfiq and many others could not stay in the country due to the fascist oppression and brutality of Hasina. "They fought from abroad, while we fought against fascism from within the country and achieved victory through the unprecedented mass uprising."

Fakhrul called for continued struggle both inside and outside the country to maintain and build on the gains of the student movement and to seize the potential that has emerged.

During the reception, Mushfiq was welcomed with bouquets of flowers by the leaders of various journalist and professional bodies, including the National Press Club, BFUJ, DUJ, and the Dhaka Reporters' Unity.

Several hundred people from different walks of life, including journalists, right activists and civil society members took part in the reception.  

Mushfiq, a fervent advocate for press freedom and renowned for his fearless journalism, returned to Bangladesh from the US on Thursday.

Currently based in Washington, D.C., Ansarey continues his work as the White House and United Nations correspondent for JustNewsBD.

He also serves as the Executive Director of the human rights organisation Right to Freedom and the Executive Editor of South Asia Perspectives, a foreign policy magazine. Through his work, Ansarey has consistently highlighted alleged human rights abuses, election fraud, and authoritarian governance in Bangladesh.

Mushfiq's critical journalism led to his exile in January 2013.

Previously, he served as Assistant Press Secretary to former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia from 2001 to 2006 and held notable positions with various media outlets in Bangladesh, including The Daily Ittefaq and UNB. 

He also served as Chief Editor at JustNewsBD and anchored a programme on State Television, BTV, as well as hosted the popular TV show "Hello Excellency" on NTV, featuring numerous ambassadors and foreign dignitaries.