BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul spoke at a press conference today. Photo: collected

DHAKA, Jan 9, 2025 (BSS) - BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today called upon the political leaders and all democracy loving people to stay united and not to create any division under the current political situation.

“We should not do politics of division. Now we need to save the country. Unity is crucial at this moment to restore democracy. Therefore, I urge all democracy-loving people and political leaders and activists of the country to remain united and not to create division in politics,” he said.

The BNP leader made the call while addressing a book launching ceremony at BNP Chairperson's office here.

The book 'Rajbandir Jabanbandi' was written on the statements given in court during the hearing of the false case filed against BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in the Zia Orphanage Trust Corruption Case. Publishing house ‘The Patriot’ published the 300-page book.

Mirza Fakhrul recalled the contributions of BNP lawyer Advocate Abdur Rezzak Khan, journalist Shafik Rehman and Khaleda Zia's former Press Secretary Journalist Maruf Kamal Khan in turning the statements given by Khaleda Zia in the court into a book.

Highlighting the contribution of BNP and the student movement in overthrowing the Awami League government, the BNP Secretary General said, ‘The sacrifices made by the people of the country, youth, volunteers, students, and women in the student movement will not go in vain.

 We have been able to drive fascism out of this country.’

But after the fall of dictatorial regime, lack of unity appears among the parties struggled for the movement against Sheikh Hasina’s regime as an unhealthy competitions is going on, he said.

Noting that martyred President Ziaur Rahman started the first reform process in the country, the BNP Secretary General said, “We started the reform. Late President Ziaur Rahman was the first to carry out the fundamental reform of the country. He brought a multi-party democratic system from a one-party regime.”

Mirza Fakhrul said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had ensured press freedom and freed economy doctrine there eliminating the so-called socialist economy.
 
He said the philosophy of Bangladeshi nationalism is the main idea of reform as well as the 19-point programme was a major programme of reform.

The BNP Secretary General expressed his gratitude to Qatar’s Emir for sending a special royal air ambulance to take BNP Chairperson Khaleda Begum Zia to London for advanced treatment.

He said Begum Khaleda Zia went to London for treatment after being freed from false charges and she was seen off with a state honour.

Mirza Fakhrul thanked the British government for ensuring the travel of Khaleda Zia to London.

 “With their help, our Chairman Tarique Rahman and others there were able to start the treatment of Madam quickly,” he said.

BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council member and former secretary Ismail Zabihullah chaired the event moderated by Krishak Dal General Secretary Shahidul Islam Babul.

Journalist Shafik Rehman, advisor to BNP acting Chairman Mahadi Amin, central leaders Amiruzzaman Khan Shimul and Mahmuda Habiba also spoke on the occasion.