Nation facing a difficult time as democracy yet to be restored: Fakhrul
People would have their own representatives soon through an election, Fakhrul said
The nation is going through a difficult time as democracy is yet to be restored in the country, said Secretary General of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today (20 April).
"The ongoing political issues would be resolved and people would have their own representatives soon through an election," Fakhrul said at a discussion cum doa mahfil.
"We have submitted our proposals to reform commissions. We are also engaging in discussions with them. We believe that a truly acceptable solution will emerge through talks, and people will soon get their own representatives through an election within a short time," he said.
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Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal organised the programme at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh, in memory of former BNP vice chairman Abdullah Al Noman, who died on 25 February this year.
Fakhrul said. "The present time is testing us. If you watch TV, talk shows, or read newspapers, you'll notice that we're going through a turbulent time. We are turning some settled matters into uncertainty," he said.
The BNP leader also said the words "reform" and "election" are now being frequently discussed everywhere. "We believe it is the responsibility of everyone, including political parties and other stakeholders, to address the problems through patient and constructive discussions."
Fakhrul called upon BNP leaders and activists to keep in mind that their struggle for democracy is not yet over. "We have not yet achieved our democratic transition. We have not yet secured an elected government and parliament through a proper election."
In such a context, he urged the BNP rank and file to work with utmost caution, awareness and perseverance to further strengthen the party and its organisations.
Fakhrul denounced the killing of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal activist Jahidul Islam Parvez, also a student at the textile engineering department of Primeasia University.
He said those responsible for killing a dedicated student leader like Parvez did not embody the spirit of last year's student movement, which was driven by a desire for positive change.
The BNP leader also said those who engage in divisive politics were behind Parvez's death. "They are neither pro-people, pro-democratic, nor pro-working class forces."
Fakhrul said Abdullah Al Noman was a rare politician who dedicated himself solely to the country and its people, rising above narrow personal interests.
In the current time of democratic transition, he said, the presence of a leader like Noman was essential to guide the nation in the right direction.
BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan recalled Noman's contributions to Bangladeshi politics, particularly in advocating for the rights of the working class.
"He was a true friend of the workers. He was an outstanding labour leader and remained dedicated to the working class until his last day," he said.
Stating that Noman was a former president of Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, Nazrul urged the leaders and members of the organisation to strengthen their organisational capacity as a mark of true respect to the late workers' leader and BNP vice chairman.
