Refrain from appointing controversial figures, Fakhrul urges govt

LALMONIRHAT, Nov 12 (UNB): BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged the government to refrain from appointing those, whose actions may provoke controversies.

"We must remember that the opportunity created through the recent student-led mass movement towards reforming the state must not be missed. Missing this opportunity would endanger our identity as a nation," he said.

Fakhrul made the remarks while speaking at the inauguration of the Shaheed Zia Memorial Football Tournament, organised by the Lalmonirhat District BNP at Borobari College on Tuesday.

"By Allah's grace, on August 5, 2024, we achieved a second victory over fascist forces through this movement. We have taken an oath to stand against imperialism, together with people," he asserted.

He called for a strong movement if necessary, noting that the current government, which came to power during a crucial phase of the student-led movement, is not like previous caretaker administrations.

Fakhrul stressed the importance of both elections and reforms across various sectors. "The government should be given time, and we must demonstrate patience while cooperating with them," he added.

BNP's organising secretary and former Deputy Minister Asadul Habib Dulu presided over the event.

Bangladesh Football Federation President Tabith Awal, former national football team captain Aminul Islam, BNP's Assistant Organisational Secretary Abdul Khaleq, and Rural Development Affairs Secretary Farhad Hossain Azad were, among others, present.

Hours after criticising the government for removing Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's portrait from Bangabhaban, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has apologised for his unwarranted remark.

"I had thought Sheikh Mujib's photo was taken down from the Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban, where all the presidents' portraits are displayed. In fact, the photo (of Mujib) was removed from another office room in Bangabhaban," he said.

In a statement, the BNP leader said Sheikh Hasina's fascist regime had made it mandatory through legislation to display the portraits of Sheikh Mujib. Such fascist laws would have no effect after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina's regime, he said.

"Everywhere, from offices to courts, there should be no symbols of misrule. I apologise for that unwarranted statement," the BNP leader said.

Earlier in the day, Rizvi criticised the removal of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's portrait from the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban, describing it as an inappropriate action.

"After August 15, 1975, Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad had removed the portrait of Sheikh Mujib from Bangabhaban, but Ziaur Rahman later reinstated it," he said.

Rizvi made the remarks while inaugurating a free medical camp and blood donation programme at the BNP's Nayapaltan central office.

The event was organised by the party to commemorate National Revolution and Solidarity Day, which marks the civil-military uprising of November 7, 1975.

Rizvi referred to a statement by Mahfuj Alam, an adviser to the interim government, who announced that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's portrait had been removed from Bangabhaban.