Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today spoke at BNP founder Ziaur Rahman's grave in city's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Jan 19, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today called for holding general elections quickly to ensure democracy in the country. 

"Arrangements should be made so that we can return to democracy through elections at earliest time," he said after paying rich tributes to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, by placing a wreath at his grave in city's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area marking BNP founder Ziaur Rahman's 89th birth anniversary.

Immediately after placing wreath, he, flanked by party leaders and activists, also joined a special prayers (munajat) seeking eternal peace of the departed soul of Ziaur Rahman and the good health of party Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Noting that there is no conflict between reforms and elections, BNP Secretary General said that both can be carried out simultaneously.

The party, he said, which will come to power through the elections will take the reforms forward. "On behalf of our party, I can clearly say that we will take every reform forward," he assured.

Showing reluctance to place any statement about the reports of four reform commissions formed by the interim government, he said BNP is yet to receive the full reports of the reform commissions.

He, however, said that necessary discussions with political parties should be made to reach a consensus in finalizing and implementing the proposals of the reform commissions.

Recalling the contributions of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to the country, Mirza Fakhrul said, "Ziaur Rahman came to power through the Sepoy-People's Revolution. At that time, he started reform activities in all sectors in a very short time aiming to build a modern and prosperous Bangladesh".

Ziaur Rahman had first established multi-party democracy in Bangladesh through reforms, he said, adding that after taking responsibility to run the state, he planned to return the free market economy. 

"Under his prudent leadership, revolutions took place in agriculture and industry," he added.