Pro-Bangladesh and regressive forces facing off ahead of polls: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said two distinct forces are clearly visible ahead of the upcoming election: one that stands for Bangladesh and another that represents regressive forces.

Speaking today (14 December) at a discussion in the auditorium of the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh in Dhaka, marking Martyred Intellectuals Day, Fakhrul said success ultimately belongs to those who stay on the path of truth, remain on the right course, and continue to fight and struggle.

He described the day as critically important for building a liberal democratic Bangladesh – the Bangladesh of the people's dreams, as envisioned by late president Ziaur Rahman, dreamed of by Khaleda Zia and outlined in Tarique Rahman's 31-point reform plan.

The people of Bangladesh must decide what they will choose: freedom, sovereignty and democracy, or the regressive forces that opposed independence in the past and repeatedly tried to obstruct the country's progress, Fakhrul said at the event organised by the Jatiotabadi Muktijoddha Dal. 

The BNP secretary general said two forces are clearly present in this election. 

He added that one stands for Bangladesh and for liberal democracy – a force that genuinely wants to establish democracy. "Its principle is this: I may not agree with your views or believe what you say, but I will always protect your right to express them. That is true democracy."

The other force, Fakhrul said, consists of regressive elements that mislead people in the name of religion. 

He mentioned that similar attempts were made in 1971, and even earlier in 1947, when Muslims of this land fought for self-determination. 

"These forces opposed Bangladesh's independence in 1971. Today, they have changed their appearance and posture, pretending they can build a new Bangladesh. But there is no reason to trust those who denied our birth and our independence."

Fakhrul recalled that on 14 December 1971, the country's finest minds – the intellectuals – were killed. 

"There can be no justification for forgiving those who murdered our future," he said, adding that when such questions have arisen again, they must be considered deeply.

The BNP leader said rejecting one form of fascism does not mean accepting another. "We can never allow any force to come to power that seeks to drag the country backwards."

He added that the soul of Bangladesh lies in coexistence, where Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians have lived together for centuries with their own cultures and traditions.

Fakhrul also mentioned that BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman will return home on 25 December, calling on everyone to accord him a reception unprecedented in Bangladesh's history.