Western support a boost for BNP activists: Fakhrul

The commitment of the Western countries towards democracy in the country has encouraged the party's activists to carry out the ongoing one-point movement, said BNP's Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today.

"We are not alone. It is undeniable that the Western countries' commitment to democracy encouraged our party's rank and file to carry out the ongoing movement for holding a credible election under a neutral government," Fakhrul said.

"At the same time, we must also remember that those of us who are carrying out this struggle must move forward with more determination in the future," he said at a seminar titled "The Role of Local-International Community in Restoration of Democracy in Bangladesh and What We Have to Do Right Now" at a city hotel today.

The cover of a book styled "No Comments" complied by photojournalist Babul Talukder was unveiled at the seminar too.

Speaking at the seminar organised by the party, the BNP leader said that their movement is on the right track and no election without voters will be held this time in Bangladesh.

Referring to the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's address yesterday, he said Sheikh Hasina wants to cling to power by any means.

"This means that whatever America says, whatever the European Union says, whatever we political parties say, she wants to stay in power," he said.

Fakhrul said the PM, who has been staying in power unlawfully by usurping power using the state machinery and without public mandate, has decided to hold the next election in the same style.

"If she (Sheikh Hasina) wants to hold the next election without voters, it will not happen this time. You will not be able to hold in 2024 like you did in 2014 and 2018. It will not be possible because people will resist such an attempt."

The BNP leader said everyone should keep in mind that it is not an easy task for a democratic force to fight against a fascist regime.

"Many of our leaders and activists have lost their lives in this struggle, including 22 people over the last year, while over 1,000 have been subjected to extrajudicial killings [since AL came to power]."

He said around 45 lakh opposition leaders and activists have been implicated in 'false' cases as part of the government's move to suppress them.

BNP standing committee members Mirza Abbas, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Selima Rahman, vice chairmen Abdullah Al Noman, Shahjahan Omar and Barkatullah Bulu also spoke at the programme.