Fakhrul warns of political instability, urges swift elections

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday warned that political tensions are escalating in the country and called on the interim government to act swiftly to hold elections and engage in national dialogue.

“The situation is becoming more complicated every day. Anti-democratic forces are regrouping and conspiring to return to power,” Fakhrul said at a discussion hosted by Ganatantra Manch at the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka. The event focused on the country’s democratic transition following the collapse of the previous regime on August 5.

Fakhrul urged the government to promptly identify key challenges and initiate talks with political parties to pave the way for credible elections. “Delays will only deepen the crisis. The path forward is through dialogue, reforms, and elections.”

He expressed concern over the resurgence of what he termed “fascist” elements and rising incidents of mob violence, abductions, and lawlessness. “If we waste this opportunity, the country will regress further. We must not squander the sacrifices of our youth,” he cautioned.

Fakhrul emphasized the urgency of implementing democratic reforms and the July Charter, warning that continued delay could undermine the nation’s hard-earned progress.

He voiced hope that interim government leader Dr Muhammad Yunus would unite the nation and steer it toward democratic stability. “BNP is committed to democratic governance and building a welfare-oriented state. We want to earn that right through elections,” he said.

Reaffirming the party’s commitment to the ideals of the 1971 Liberation War and democratic values, Fakhrul said, “There can be no compromise on independence or democracy. Through dialogue and tolerance, we can rebuild a democratic Bangladesh.”

Other speakers at the event included Zonayed Saki of Ganosamhati Andolan, Nurul Haque Nur of Gono Odhikar Parishad, Akhtar Hossain of the National Citizen Party, and Saiful Haque of the Revolutionary Workers Party.