Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Friday that Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s upcoming trip to Thakurgaon is a personal goodwill visit.
Mirza Fakhrul expressed deep dissatisfaction on Friday regarding the current law and order situation, citing a "worrying" spike in the targeted killings of political leaders.
During the visit, Tarique Rahman intends to pay his respects to the martyrs of the July-August mass uprising by offering prayers at their gravesites. Additionally, he is scheduled to attend a dua mahfil organized to seek eternal peace for the soul of the late Begum Khaleda Zia.
Speaking to reporters at his residence in the Kalibari area, Mirza Fakhrul touched upon broader political issues, noting that the upcoming national election and the referendum will be held concurrently.
He described the proposed reforms under the referendum as a natural extension of the party's long-standing activities, emphasizing that reform is a continuous process.
"The election and the referendum will be held on the same day. The reforms brought under the referendum are basically a continuation of our earlier activities. Reform is an ongoing process, and I don't think there is any reason to say no," he said.
Addressing recent university student union elections, he expressed his belief that campus polls traditionally do not influence national elections and hoped for a restored democratic environment where all political wings, including Chhatra Dal, can operate freely without the restrictions faced under the previous administration.
"University elections have never had an impact on national elections, and I hope they will not have an impact this time either," he further said.
"During the previous government, Chhatra Dal leaders and activists were not given the opportunity to carry out organisational activities in universities. They were not allowed to enter academic premises or promote political statements among students. I hope the democratic environment will return to university campuses," he added.
Fakhrul further highlighted the BNP's historical commitment to developing neglected areas, particularly in the northern region. He assured that Tarique Rahman remains dedicated to these regional priorities and that a future BNP government would focus on the socio-economic advancement of such underserved districts.
"BNP has worked in the past to develop neglected regions. From that perspective, our leader Tarique Rahman will certainly give due importance to the issue and, if elected, we will work for the development of neglected regions, including the northern region," the BNP leader said.
The BNP Secretary General was joined during the briefing by District BNP President Mirza Faisal Amin, General Secretary Poygam Ali, and other senior local leaders.
Mirza Fakhrul Voices Alarm Over Security and Murders Ahead of Polls
Mirza Fakhrul expressed deep dissatisfaction on Friday regarding the current law and order situation, citing a "worrying" spike in the targeted killings of political leaders.
"The rate at which political leaders are being killed, particularly some leaders of our party, is truly worrying. We have strongly condemned these murders, but no action has been taken by the government. We hope the authorities will act responsibly and prevent such incidents during the elections," Fakhrul said.
Regarding the referendum, Fakhrul mentioned that BNP had advocated holding it alongside the national parliamentary election and it is happening so.
The BNP leader said the reforms being put to a referendum were initiated long before his and others’ involvement.
“In 2016 and 2023, we presented our proposals to the nation through 31 points. The reform process is ongoing, and I see no reason not to acknowledge that,” he added.
With Inputs from Agency
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