Dhaka, Aug 28 (V7N) - On Wednesday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir denounced what he claims is a deliberate negative campaign against his party. At a press conference held at the BNP Chairperson's Gulshan office, Fakhrul drew parallels with past efforts to undermine the party, specifically referencing the 1/11 political shift in 2007 aimed at depoliticising the nation.
 
Fakhrul called for unity among political parties, urging them to avoid statements that could further divide the public. He contended that recent reports suggesting BNP involvement in criminal activities are unjust. He emphasized that while individual members might commit offenses, these actions should not be attributed to the party as a whole.
 
The BNP leader criticized prominent newspapers for reporting such claims, asserting that the party promptly addresses any complaints about its members. He highlighted that over 50 individuals have faced disciplinary actions in response to such complaints.
 
Responding to Jamaat Amir Shafiqur Rahman’s comments on the BNP’s push for early elections and alleged usurpation, Fakhrul dismissed the remarks as part of a broader plot reminiscent of the 1/11 depoliticisation attempts. He suggested that some parties, lacking public support and perceived as ineffective, might be behind these efforts but refrained from naming them explicitly.
 
Fakhrul reiterated the BNP’s long-standing advocacy for democratic elections, framing it as a fundamental right. He also referenced the party’s collaboration with other groups in advocating for the reinstatement of the election-time caretaker government, which was abolished by the Awami League administration.
 
The BNP Secretary General stressed that efforts to eliminate the party were evident during the 1/11 regime and warned against revisiting such depoliticisation strategies. He expressed concern about new faces in the media, suggesting that their sudden prominence could undermine the democratic process.
 
Regarding the debate over banning political parties, Fakhrul affirmed the BNP’s stance against such measures. He emphasized the importance of upholding constitutional rights to form and engage in political organizations, regardless of their beliefs.
 
On the topic of legal issues, Fakhrul criticized the indiscriminate filing of lawsuits, urging law enforcement to conduct thorough preliminary verifications before accepting cases. He also noted the inappropriate nature of lawsuits against Deputy Commissioners and called for greater discernment in legal actions.
 
Addressing minority issues and international campaigns, Fakhrul condemned efforts from abroad, particularly from India, to frame domestic issues as communal. He accused these campaigns of unfairly targeting the BNP and undermining its democratic contributions.
 
Fakhrul concluded by asserting that the ongoing struggle for democracy and the right to vote is essential, emphasizing that no issue can be resolved without an elected parliament.
 
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