Dhaka, 16 July- BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged parents and the general public to take to the streets in solidarity with the students leading the quota movement. Speaking at a discussion at the National Press Club on Tuesday, Fakhrul emphasized the urgency of public action against the current government.

"People of the country are waking up," Fakhrul said. "The government cannot be given more time. It is crucial to stand up now." He urged political parties and the public to respond to the students' call for reform.

On the same day, Chhatra Dal, the student wing of BNP, demonstrated in support of the students' demand for quota reform.

Fakhrul painted a grim picture of the country's current state, highlighting the lack of freedom of speech and the erosion of democracy. "The situation in the country is dire. The government has taken away democracy," he stated. "What the government did yesterday is a horrible incident in the history of the country."

Drawing a stark comparison, Fakhrul claimed the government's actions were worse than those of the Pakistan Army, accusing them of using weapons to suppress legitimate demands.

He strongly condemned the recent attacks by Chhatra League on students at various universities, including Dhaka University and Jahangirnagar University. "I strongly condemn, protest, and express anger over the barbaric attack of Chhatra League on ordinary students," Fakhrul said, labeling the incident at Dhaka University as one of the most heinous in Bangladesh's history.

Mirza Fakhrul concluded by stressing the critical state of Bangladesh, asserting that without immediate action, the nation's existence could be at risk. "The situation in Bangladesh is dire today. Where there is no judgment," he said. "The existence of the nation will disappear if we do not stand up at this time."

His comments reflect the growing tension and unrest as various factions call for change and challenge the current political landscape.