As part of its countrywide programme, BNP arranged the doa and milad mahfil on the ground floor of its Nayapaltan central office, marking the 80th birthday of Khaleda Zia.
“On the occasion of our leader’s birthday, let us all pray to Allah so that we can move forward, upholding the reputation of BNP established by martyred President Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia, and Tarique Rahman,” Fakhrul said.
He noted that BNP laid the groundwork for a mass uprising through its 17-year struggle, and students and youth advanced the movement to victory by sacrificing their blood.
Fakhrul mentioned that around a thousand students and youth, including Abu Sayeed in Rangpur, sacrificed their lives during the movement.
He said many leaders and activists of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, the student wing of BNP, lost their lives on August 3, 4, and 5.
“When I went to Nitor Hospital, there were 124 wounded people, including 90 Chhatra Dal leaders and workers. You must speak loudly about your sacrifices but avoid conflicts and clashes. We must now work in unison,” Fakhrul said.
He expressed concern over negative news on social media and in newspapers, fearing new conspiracies and emerging fascism that might deprive people of their right to vote.
“We must be vigilant in this regard. We need to move forward with unity, tolerance, and discipline,” the BNP leader said.
BNP to back interim govt as long as it remains committed to democracy: Fakhrul
Fakhrul also voiced frustration over the low turnout of party leaders and workers at Thursday’s rally and Friday’s milad mahfil. “Do you think we have achieved victory? No, this struggle must continue. If not, we will face significant danger. We have defeated one fascist regime and must remain vigilant to prevent new fascism from arising.”
He said it is the responsibility of the current interim government to arrange a national election and transfer power to elected representatives.
“But a lot of garbage has accumulated. This mess must be cleared. So, we need to give them (the government) some time. In the meantime, we must continue our struggle, follow Madam’s (Khaleda’s) ideals, and act on her statements. Everyone must work with love, setting aside revenge and vengeance.”
