Fakhrul hails ‘free and joyful’ Eid, hopes for restoration of democracy

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the people are celebrating this year's Eid in a joyful and free environment— a stark contrast to what he described as 15 years of oppressive rule under the Awami League's "fascist government."

Speaking to the media after paying homage to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr today, he expressed hope that the interim government would restore democracy and the people's right to vote, fulfilling its promises to the nation.

"There is a significant difference between this year's Eid and the celebrations of the past 15 years. This time, we are celebrating in a free, joyful atmosphere," Fakhrul said.

He added that for the last 15 years, the people have fought for democracy, voting rights, food security, and human rights.

Fakhrul further said BNP leaders and activists prayed on Eid day for the success of this struggle and the restoration of democracy.

"On this day, we hope that all those in positions of responsibility will succeed in their duties, particularly the interim government, which must fulfil its commitments to the people," he added.

He also mentioned that BNP leaders and workers had renewed their pledge to uphold their commitments to the public.

"We prayed for the well-being of all Bangladeshis and also for the swift recovery of our leader, Begum Khaleda Zia, as well as the immediate return of our acting chairman, Tarique Rahman," he said.

Earlier, Fakhrul, along with BNP leaders and activists, paid tribute to Ziaur Rahman by placing a wreath at his grave in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.

Among those present were BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, and Nazrul Islam Khan, alongside senior leaders Ahmed Azam Khan, Amanullah Aman, Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Habib-Un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Syed Emran Saleh Prince, Mir Sarfat Ali Sapu, Rafiqul Islam, Saiful Alam Nirab, Mir Newaz Ali, Aminul Haque, and over a thousand activists from BNP and its affiliated organisations.