Don't ruin country by voting Pakistani collaborators

Mirza Fakhrul urges voters

FE Team | Published: January 27, 2026 00:21:15

THAKURGAON, Jan 26 (UNB): BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged voters not to 'ruin the country' by voting for those who collaborated with the Pakistani forces in 1971 and are now seeking to come to power again.
"Those who collaborated with the Pakistani army until the very last moment are now asking for votes to rule the country. Do not destroy the nation by voting for them," said Fakhrul, also the BNP-nominated candidate for Thakurgaon-1 constituency.
He made the remarks during an election campaign at BD High School ground in Begunbari union of Sadar upazila on Monday.
"We want to uphold the spirit of 1971 because that year defines our identity. Bangladesh was born out of Pakistan's exploitation and repression. We fought against Pakistan and achieved independence," he said.
About the absence of 'Boat' symbol in the election race, the BNP leader said, "Earlier, there were 'Boat' and 'Sheaf of Paddy'. This time there is no 'Boat'. The boat's helmswoman, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, has left you behind and fled to India. She is sitting in Delhi."
He said Sheikh Hasina fled the country amid protests by students while party leaders and activists were left exposed.
"We do not want those who run away. We earned our right to vote through the blood of many students. For 15 years, we were denied freedom of expression. Those who wanted to vote were framed in cases and sent to jail," he said.
Addressing the Hindu community, Fakhrul said fear often exists among Hindu community people regarding persecution but there is no reason to be afraid.
Begum Khaleda Zia clearly said there are no minorities here, everyone is a citizen of Bangladesh, he said.
He pledged that BNP would protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of religion and would remain uncompromising in safeguarding the rights of women.
Speaking on agriculture, Fakhrul said the sector has not been properly developed and farmers were among the most vulnerable.
He said BNP planned to promote agriculture-based industrialisation if voted to power. "Passing BA alone is not enough. Take technical training. Plenty of jobs are waiting abroad," he added.
Sadar upazila BNP President Abdul Hamid and other party leaders and activists were present at the programme.