Dhaka, Sep 15 (V7N) – Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir asserted on Sunday that the party's role in the recent mass protests against Sheikh Hasina's government should not be underestimated. He highlighted that 422 out of the 875 individuals who were killed during the July-August demonstrations were associated with the BNP.

"This movement did not arise spontaneously; it is the culmination of years of oppression and dissatisfaction. It reflects the BNP's persistent efforts and should not be downplayed," Fakhrul stated.

Addressing a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Fakhrul noted that the people of Bangladesh experienced a renewed sense of freedom on August 5 by dismantling 16 years of autocratic rule and advancing toward democracy.

"Over the years, numerous individuals and families have sacrificed significantly in the fight for a fascism-free Bangladesh. Reports indicate that 875 people were martyred in the 'July Massacre' up to August 13, with at least 422 of them linked to the BNP," he added.

Fakhrul emphasized that the high number of BNP leaders and activists among the martyrs is not an isolated occurrence but a direct result of the party’s enduring political struggle.

He clarified that the BNP’s intention is not to claim political credit for the movement but to ensure that leaders, activists, and supporters at all levels actively participated.

“As a major political party, the BNP, along with its affiliated organizations, mobilized its full strength, reflecting the people's aspirations and energizing the mass uprising,” Fakhrul said.

He stressed that the BNP played a crucial role in organizing the mass uprising with the objective of ending fascism and fostering a democratic Bangladesh.

Fakhrul further mentioned that many of the 60 lakh BNP members, who were wrongfully implicated during the fascist regime, stood with the common people as a protective barrier against state repression and conspiracies.

"Thus, the BNP, along with allied political parties and pro-democracy forces, united with the masses from their respective positions, contributing to the people's struggle for justice and democracy," he said.

The BNP leader underscored that every life lost—whether they were garment workers, rickshaw pullers, university students, or individuals from various ideological backgrounds—deserves equal respect. "Every drop of blood is valuable."

He concluded by stressing that each incident of killing should be documented with equal importance and justice should be served. The national demand for Sheikh Hasina's resignation emerged not suddenly but as a result of accumulated public outrage against the government's illegitimate actions, corruption, and misrule.

END/SMA/AJ/