Panchagarh, Dec 22 (V7N) — BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has reiterated his party's demand for the restoration of voting rights and an acceptable election to build a democratic Bangladesh. Addressing a massive public rally at the Sakoa High School and College grounds in Boda Upazila of Panchagarh on Sunday, he called on the people to unite against what he described as "fascist rule."

The rally, organised by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated organisations, drew a large crowd from various walks of life, including representatives of Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities. The grounds were packed with BNP supporters who arrived in processions, carrying banners and chanting slogans of equality, harmony, and humanity under the theme "Bangladesh First."

Mirza Fakhrul began his speech by emphasising the deprivation of voting rights over the past 15 years. "We have not been able to vote for 15 years. We want to ensure the right to vote," he declared. He accused the Awami League government of maintaining power through "force, disappearances, and murders" and described it as a "fascist regime."

He urged the youth and the public to seize the opportunity to build a democratic Bangladesh. "Our sons, our students have given us an opportunity, and we do not want to waste it," Fakhrul said. He also addressed the need for reforms, asserting that BNP had already proposed a roadmap for change.

The BNP Secretary General accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of orchestrating conspiracies, both domestically and internationally, to remain in power. He claimed, "Sheikh Hasina is sitting in India, running campaigns against minorities and spreading misleading narratives." Fakhrul warned of the dangers of such conspiracies and called for collective resistance.

He alleged that Sheikh Hasina came to power in the name of elections but has since clung to power through undemocratic means. Fakhrul cited historical instances, claiming that Sheikh Hasina "fled during a mass uprising" and described this as the "fate of fascists."

Calling for national unity, Fakhrul said, "Fallen dictators are still active; therefore, everyone must unite to confront the conspiracy." He stressed the importance of restoring the right to vote for all citizens to build a just and democratic country.

The rally was chaired by Farhad Hossain Azad, BNP Executive Committee Rural Development Affairs Secretary and District BNP Member Secretary. Other speakers included BNP leader Ishraq Hossain, BNP Chairperson's advisor Baby Nazneen, and Rangpur Division Organizing Secretary Asadul Habib.

Prominent attendees included Barrister Mohammad Nowshad Zamir, International Affairs Secretary of the Central BNP, and Zahirul Islam Kachchu, District BNP Convener. Leaders and activists from various districts, including Panchagarh, were present to show their support.

The rally concluded with a strong call for unity and resistance, as BNP leaders vowed to continue their fight for democracy and voting rights.

END/MSS/AJ