BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir alleged on Thursday that Bangladesh is now entirely under the control of mafias and looters. "The country is currently in the hands of criminals, looters, and mafias. They are not only taking away people's political rights but also destroying the economy," he said.

Speaking to reporters at Ziaur Rahman’s grave site, Fakhrul claimed the government's main objective is to turn Bangladesh into a failed state by depleting its resources. He emphasized that their party, along with other opposition groups, is actively protesting against the current regime. “Inshallah, we’ll emerge victorious in this struggle.”

Earlier, Fakhrul and other BNP members paid homage to the party’s founder and late President Ziaur Rahman, marking his 43rd death anniversary. They also participated in a milad and doa mahfil, praying for Zia’s soul and the health of party Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Fakhrul criticized the ruling Awami League for stripping people of their voting rights and usurping power to restore one-party rule in a new form. "On the anniversary of Zia’s martyrdom, we pledge to intensify our movement to protect our rights, independence, and sovereignty, and to establish a pro-people government by defeating this regime," he declared.

Ziaur Rahman, the BNP founder, was assassinated by army officers at Chittagong Circuit House on May 30, 1981. The BNP and its affiliates planned various events to commemorate the day, including discussions, seminars, and food distribution to the needy.