Dhaka, Aug 04 (V7N) - The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Sunday expressed full support for the one-point demand of the student-led Anti-Discrimination Movement, urging leaders, activists, and citizens from all walks of life to support the protesters.

During a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called on the government to resign in response to the mass upsurge.

“The entire nation has rallied behind the Anti-Discrimination Movement’s demand for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and the immediate transfer of power to a neutral government,” Alamgir said, referencing the student movement's announcement at the central Shaheed Minar on Saturday.

“BNP declares full solidarity with the one-point declaration raised by the anti-discrimination student movement and the masses,” he added.

Amid what he described as an extreme national crisis, Alamgir called on “democracy-loving people and the leaders, workers, supporters, and well-wishers of the BNP and its affiliates at all levels to unite with the students and take to the streets to accelerate the fall of the ‘autocratic’ government for the greater good of the country.”

Alamgir also urged all political parties, organizations, professionals, workers, farmers, and citizens to support the non-cooperation movement.

He emphasized the widespread nature of the mass uprisings sweeping across the country, including Dhaka city.

When asked about the process for the government’s transfer of power, Alamgir said a proposal would be developed in consultation with all stakeholders, especially those involved in the student movement. “We will inform you about this matter later,” he stated.

Alamgir appealed to the army, government officials, administration, and law enforcement agencies to avoid opposing the people. “They must ensure our roads are not stained with the blood of the people and students, and our children are not martyred."

He reminded government employees that their accountability is to the people, not to any party or person. “They should align with the people, defying unjust orders.”

Addressing the consequences if the government does not resign, Alamgir asserted that no one in history has remained in power against a strong mass movement.

“The mass wave of uprising is here. My wife recently asked me if she should still stay at home. My daughters and everyone’s daughters have taken to the streets. We saw such uprisings in 1969, 1990, 1970, and 1971. The mass awakening now is even stronger,” he noted.

Alamgir commended the students for igniting the movement. “A handful of non-professional student leaders have awakened the entire nation.”

Criticizing the government for allegedly planning the country’s destruction, Alamgir declared, “Now is the time to stand up and resist the Awami League. They must be forced to resign.”

Blaming the government for the current crisis, Alamgir accused them of manipulating the courts and creating complications over the quota issue, leaving students with no choice but to escalate their protests.

He warned that prolonging the situation would only harm the nation and the Awami League as a political party.

Alamgir also accused the ruling party of attempting to spread fear through terror attacks and acts of sabotage. “They won’t be able to prevent their fall by doing this,” he concluded.

BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas and Selima Rahman were also present at the press conference.

END/SMA/AJ/