A group of people become unhappy whenever the BNP raises the issue of the upcoming national elections, party general secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said at a rally in Panchagarh yesterday.

“We want to get our voting rights back. I want to vote and give it to whoever I want. But when we talk about this, some people become dissatisfied and wonder why we continue to bring up the issue of voting,” Fakhrul said. while addressing the gathering on the grounds of Sakoa High School.

“Yes, we demand the right to vote because if we can vote, we will be able to elect the right people for ourselves. These representatives will work for our well-being.”

Fakhrul said the concept of reforms is not well understood by many in the country.

“The main thing is that I can vote. Peace must reign in the country. Prices of basic necessities must be affordable. There must be no violence or theft.”

Referring to Khaleda Zia’s Vision Bangladesh 2030 unveiled in 2016 and Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform agenda announced in 2022, Fakhrul underlined his party’s commitment to reforms.

“…Together we will rebuild this country democratically. We will guarantee the right to vote for everyone. For the last 15 years, no one has been able to vote.”

Fakhrul urged the nation to remain united and avoid division. “We are all united. We are all Bangladeshis. We all want the country to progress.”

Addressing government officials, police, army and BGB personnel, the BNP general secretary called for collective efforts to rebuild the nation.

“Let’s seize this opportunity (the situation after August 5) and use it properly. Let’s forget the divisions and work together to rebuild and develop the country. Let’s remain vigilant so that no one can exploit us.”

Talking about the liberation war, the BNP leader said: “We must dream of a better future. It has been 53 years since our independence. Some may say forget 1971, but we can’t. Our independent nation was born in 1971, and that’s when I discovered my identity.”

Fakhrul claimed that Sheikh Hasina was plotting against the country while staying abroad.

“Sheikh Hasina has fled and is conspiring against the country, spreading propaganda… But we, the people of Bangladesh, still live together in peace – Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians.”

The BNP leader said the public never wanted Hasina to be in power, but she, by lying to the people, remained in power for three elections.

“She thought she would never lose her power. Look, a few months later, Hasina had to flee the country with her family.”

Regarding the situation of local Awami League leaders, he said no one should take care of them as their leaders had fled.