Fakhrul hopeful of peaceful movement's success

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today expressed high hope that the ongoing political crisis in the country will be resolved with the restoration of democracy through their party's peaceful movement.

"We, all the political parties of this country, have united on the basis of one-point demand as we want the resignation of this regime and a free and transparent election under a non-partisan neutral polls-time government," he said.

Speaking at a seminar, the BNP leader said he is confident that they will realise their demands through the united movement with the help of the people.

BNP arranged the seminar titled "A Democratic Future for Bangladesh and the Indo-Pacific Strategy" at a city hotel.

BNP standing committee member and its international relations committee chairman Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury presented the keynote paper at the programme.

Diplomats from different countries, including the US, the UK, Japan, France, Australia and the European Union, were present at the seminar.

"Our party's around 700 people, including three former MPs, have been subjected to enforced disappearance. Our 45 lakh people have been facing false cases. Many of us are being sentenced before the elections so that they can't participate in the polls," the BNP leader said.

He said the government has created a situation in the country where only the Awami League can take part in the election and retain power, keeping the opposition parties away from voting.

BNP wants secure and stable Indo-Pacific

In his keynote address, Khasru said BNP firmly believes democracy and preservation of democratic values will be the bedrock of any commitment to the Indo-Pacific Strategy.

"Our Indo-Pacific vision reflects the desires of the people by prioritising their interests and aspirations. We pledge to align economically and strategically with democratic nations and institutions and implement domestic initiatives to empower all Bangladeshis with freedom, equality, and prosperity, irrespective of gender, religion, ethnicity or politics," he said.

The BNP leader said their party is dedicated to ensuring a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region while protecting national interests and contributing to collective security.

Khasru said the Indo-Pacific Strategy taken by the democratic world, can be expected to reshape the global security and economic architecture to ensure a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.