Dhaka, Feb 27 (V7N) –BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and a political group within the country are working to obstruct democracy.
He made the remarks during his welcome speech at BNP’s extended meeting, held at the LD Hall premises of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban at 11:45am on Thursday.
Mirza Fakhrul said: "After this extended meeting, we will take our organizational activities seriously under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. Khaleda Zia has led us skillfully, even after being jailed. She united both right and left forces and presented 31-point demands."
Commenting on Sheikh Hasina’s political position, he said: "You have seen the sacrifices BNP has made in our continuous struggle for democracy. As a result, Sheikh Hasina, the face of fascism, was forced to flee the country."
According to Mirza Fakhrul, after Sheikh Hasina’s fall, people expected that they would soon regain their right to vote and true democracy.
However, he expressed concern that no concrete steps have been taken in this regard.
"We removed fascism to restore democracy, but that has not been fully secured yet. We have made countless sacrifices, yet the situation remains uncertain."
He further alleged that Sheikh Hasina and a certain political force are deliberately obstructing democracy: "A party — both inside and outside the country — along with Sheikh Hasina, is constantly working to hinder democracy. They are creating instability by removing the names of renowned scholars of united Bengal from institutions and replacing them with controversial figures. We must remain vigilant against this."
The extended meeting began with a recitation from the Quran and focused on four key agendas including the current political situation, preparations for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections, maintaining party discipline, and strengthening relations with allied parties.
The first session concluded by noon, while the second session, held behind closed doors, resumed in the afternoon.
The last BNP extended meeting was called by Khaleda Zia on February 3, 2018, at the Le Meridien Hotel in Dhaka.
Just five days later, on February 8, 2018, she was sent to jail in a corruption case.
END/MSS/AJ
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