Goal of overthrowing fascism not yet fulfilled: BNP’s Nazrul 

The goal of restoring democratic governance in the country remains unfulfilled despite the fall of fascism, BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said today (2 July).

"The goal for which fascism was overthrown has not yet been fulfilled," he told reporters on Wednesday (2 July) after paying tribute at the grave of late president Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, accompanied by BNP leaders of Mymensingh South.

Nazrul reflected on the BNP's 15-year-long political struggle against what it called an authoritarian regime. 

"Fascism was overthrown through the 2024 student-people uprising. But our movement was never just about toppling a regime. Our core demand was the restoration of democracy," he said.

He clarified the BNP's movement saying, "It was for free and fair elections under a non-partisan interim government so that people's governance could be established. That right was denied for many years. Yes, fascism has fled, but our central goal remains unfulfilled." 

According to him, the people's mandate has yet to be properly reflected in state power.

"People still cannot elect their government through voting. That is why our primary task now is to establish governance by the people. That can only be achieved through election."

Responding to criticism from other parties, he said, "Every political party is entitled to its own opinion. Not everyone will support us, and we don't expect them to. But the people know very well who supported authoritarianism and who tirelessly fought against it." 

He also alleged that some vested parties were attempting to undermine the democratic process, saying, "There are forces actively thinking about obstructing the election process."

Addressing allegations of corruption against BNP acting chairman Tarique, Nazrul said, "In the last 17 years, no corruption has been proven against him."