Only path back to democracy is election: Fakhrul
The BNP secretary general also strongly criticised a recent statement by NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, who suggested that if the NCP is denied the shapla (water lily) electoral symbol, the BNP’s sheaf of paddy symbol should be cancelled
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today (10 October) asserted that holding a free, fair, and impartial election is the only viable path for Bangladesh to return to a democratic system, stressing that no alternative exists for establishing true democracy.
"A window of opportunity has opened up to return to a democratic system," Fakhrul said.
Monster Hasina has ruined our judiciary, administration, electoral system, economy, health, and education systems
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"However much we attempt reforms or intellectual strategies, we cannot return to democracy until an elected government is established through polls", said
Mirza Fakhrul while addressing a discussion organised at the Institute of Engineers, Bangladesh in Dhaka, marking the martyrdom anniversary of Nazir Uddin Ahmed Jihad, a martyr of the July Uprising.
The meeting was attended by leaders of the All-Party Students' Unity who spearheaded the 1990 mass uprising in Bangaldesh.
Fakhrul condemned the previous government, referring to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina as "Monster Hasina," who, he said, had "destroyed everything" in the country.
"Monster Hasina has ruined our judiciary, administration, electoral system, economy, health, and education systems — she has wreaked havoc everywhere," the BNP leader stated.
He acknowledged that while some individuals and organisations claim the July Uprising as exclusively their own, the BNP has fought for democracy throughout its existence.
The BNP secretary general also strongly criticised a recent statement by National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, who suggested that if the NCP is denied the shapla (Water Lily) electoral symbol, the BNP's sheaf of paddy symbol should be cancelled.
"We did not object to your symbol. The Election Commission will decide what symbol to give you," Fakhrul responded to that remark.
"Why unnecessarily drag BNP's sheaf of paddy into this? The reason is that the sheaf of paddy cannot be resisted. Slogans for the sheaf of paddy are echoing nationwide."
Fakhrul concluded by saying, "A conspiracy is underway to stop the sheaf of paddy," but warned that if the symbol wins, those conspiring against Bangladesh "will be forced to leave".
