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DHAKA, Aug 12, 2024 (BSS) - BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said people of the country should remain alert as the defeated forces are hatching conspiracy to foil the successful revolution of students and mass people.

"You (countrymen) will have to remain alert to thwart the attempt of counter-revolution. Take every type of step in unison to protect the evil efforts of the defeated forces," he said.

The BNP secretary general told reporters after placing a wreath at the grave of Arafat Rahman Koko, younger son of BNP's founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, on his 55th birthday in the city's Banani graveyard.

About a comment of Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina over Saint Martin issue, Fakhrul said the statement is just useless. It is their (AL) characteristics to shift blame on others, he added.

He said, "I want to tell clearly that it was awakening of student and mass people. Now it is our responsibility to consolidate the mass awakening. Sheikh Hasina and her cohorts will try to confuse the country's people. Our requests to you (countrymen) don't be confused. Do work to consolidate the mass awakening."

Criticizing reports of some Indian media outlets over attack on minority communities, the BNP secretary general said those reports are totally baseless, fake and propaganda. They are spreading the propaganda to foil the mass upsurge and the newly formed interim government, he added.

"I believe that the people of Bangladesh and world community will not believe these propagandas," said Fakhrul.

About the election, he hoped that the interim government will be able to hold a free and fair election.

Emphasizing creating congenial atmosphere for holding an election, Fakhrul said, "The interim government will take steps for holding elections as soon as possible with the aim of building a truly-free Bangladesh. A government of mass people will be established through the election, he added.

He said different political parties, including BNP, had sacrificed a lot over the last 15 years. Many leaders and activists of BNP had sacrificed their lives during the Awami League regime.

Recalling the contribution of Arafat Rahman Koko to sports, the secretary general hoped that the interim government will take the sports sector forward properly and his party (BNP) will extend all out cooperation in this regard.

It is mentionable that Arafat Rahman Koko was born on August 12 in 1969 and died on January 24 in 2015.