Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Local Government Minister, has warned that “anti-liberation forces” are re-emerging 55 years after Bangladesh’s independence, urging unity to counter them and advance the ideals of the Liberation War.
Speaking at a discussion marking Independence and National Day at the Institution of Engineers auditorium in Dhaka on Friday afternoon, Fakhrul said those forces, which he accused of committing atrocities during the 1971 war, were once again becoming active.
He called for vigilance and collective efforts to defeat them.
“We must move forward by strengthening the forces of independence and decisively defeating these elements. That is where our success lies,” he said.
The event was organized by the BNP, with party Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attending as the chief guest.
Expressing optimism about Rahman’s leadership, Fakhrul said the BNP chief has generated renewed hope among the public since his return. “He has not spoken of revenge or retaliation; instead, he has said, ‘I have a plan,’ indicating a clear roadmap for rebuilding the country,” he added.
Fakhrul noted that Rahman had outlined his plans throughout the election campaign and had begun implementing them soon after the polls. Initiatives mentioned included the introduction of family cards and farmer cards, loan waivers of Tk 10,000 for farmers, and canal excavation projects.
Calling for unity, Fakhrul urged all to rally behind Rahman to build a prosperous Bangladesh. “Let us forget past divisions and work together to create a better future for our children"one where Bangladesh stands tall on the global stage,” he said.
He also alleged widespread repression against BNP leaders and activists over the past 18 years, claiming millions of cases had been filed against party members, thousands had been killed, and many had been forcibly disappeared, including former leader Ilias Ali.
The discussion, chaired by Fakhrul and moderated by BNP Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, was attended by senior party leaders including Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Salahuddin Ahmed, along with academics and public figures.
