Movement soon to oust usurper AL govt: Fakhrul

More Aziz, Benazir in govt's shelter: Faruque

FE Team | Published: June 28, 2024 22:09:59

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the party, together with other opposition parties, will launch another round of simultaneous movement soon to oust the current 'usurper' Awami League (AL) government, reports UNB.
"We'll soon sit with those, who are carrying out movements, and work out programmes through discussions to promptly establish a pro-people and democratic governance system by removing the horrible fascist, monstrous, and usurper regime. I hope we'll succeed," he said.
The BNP leader made the remarks while addressing a reunion programme, organised by Bangladesher Biplobi Workers' Party at its Segunbagicha office in the capital on Friday, marking the party's 20th founding anniversary.
Fakhrul said all the opposition democratic parties have agreed to work together for the sake of democracy. "I think it's a significant decision in the history of Bangladesh's politics."
Most of the opposition parties have been carrying out simultaneous movements for restoration of democratic rights, voting rights, and building a democratic state.
"We're working to achieve this goal. I believe our movement will never fail. We'll surely turn victorious."
He noted that Bangladesh was liberated with the objective of establishing democracy and a democratic governance system. "It is unfortunate that this journey was hindered through the introduction of one-party rule (BAKSAL) in 1975."
The secretary general said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia introduced the polls-time caretaker government system, accepting people's demand, for creating scopes to develop a good democratic culture and governance system.
He, however, bemoaned that Awami League again destroyed democracy by annulling the caretaker government system, pushing the country towards instability and uncertainty.
"That process is still going on. It has now reached such a level that Bangladesh's sovereign existence is at stake. The country is passing through the most critical juncture for lack of democracy."
In such a situation, the BNP top leader said a strong movement is imperative right now to have the BNP chief freed from jail for restoration of democracy.
"Khaleda's release and movement for democracy are not separate issues. These two things are closely interlinked."
BNP has already announced a three-day programme demanding her unconditional release, including a rally in the capital.
"We've declared these programmes specifically for her release. We've started a movement for protecting democracy and releasing Khaleda Zia," he added.
Meanwhile, BNP Chairperson's Adviser Zainul Abdin Faruque has said more corrupt people like Aziz and Benazir are still in the government's shelter, FE report adds.
He made the comment from a rally in front of the National Press Club in the capital on Friday, organised to protest the recent signing of MoUs with India.
"More corrupt people like Aziz and Benazir are still in the government's shelter. Today where are Aziz, Benazir and Matiur?" he said.
He alleged that many people like Aziz, Benazir and Matiur have siphoned off a huge amount of money abroad and built houses there.
"You (the government) have to find them (the corrupt people) out. Otherwise, the people of the country will not forgive you."
Faruque, former chief whip, also said, "Obaidul Quader, you can continue saying whatever you want to say. The people of Bangladesh are very conscious."
"You've been capturing power with the help of a handful of bureaucrats. But the country's people are not on your side."
Awami League arranged 'so-called and farcical' elections in 2014, 2018 and 2024 to remain in power. The people do not want to see dummy elections between brother and brother as well as family members of lawmakers becoming chairmen of upazilas and municipalities, he noted.
He opined that the government would not be able to suppress the ongoing anti-government movement despite detaining BNP leaders and activists.
The BNP adviser also criticised the government for giving railway corridor to India.
"You want to build railway lines on our soil to reduce (Indian) train journey time from 30 hours to seven hours. We are an independent nation and we've achieved our independence through a bloody war."
"But it is a painful truth that you (the government) have forgotten that, allowing India to use Bangladesh territory for its railway corridor."
Faruque demanded cancellation of all memorandums of understanding (MoUs), signed with India. He also called upon his party high-ups to announce programmes to help people become more conscious and active.
President of Projonmo Bangladesh and BNP assistant secretary Arpana Roy Das presided over the event.
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