BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged political parties in Bangladesh not to create circumstances that could pave the way for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s return to power.
Speaking Wednesday afternoon at a rally in Sripur, Ashulia, he said political disagreements are normal, but warned that unnecessary conflicts risk undermining the country’s democratic transition.
“Today there is a lot of talk, political debates are happening, and that’s normal in a democracy,” Fakhrul said. “But do not do anything that disrupts democracy again. That is our appeal to political parties. Do not create such a situation over minor issues that gives that fascist Hasina a chance to return to the country.”
The rally, organized by Dhaka District BNP, commemorated the “Ashulia Massacre,” where BNP alleges police shot and burned protesters on August 5, 2024, just before the fall of Hasina’s government. The gathering was part of events marking the “Student–Worker–People’s July Uprising 2024.”
Fakhrul called for political unity and a return to an elected government. “We request all political parties—let us quickly resolve our issues and return to a democratic system,” he said. “Through a neutral election, let us establish a government of the people.”
He linked the day’s event to the need for accountability, describing the pain of families who lost relatives in the violence. “I am shocked—this scene is unbearable,” he told the crowd. “What kind of country are we living in? A mother here said her son was still alive when they burned him.”
The BNP leader criticized the government’s response to the victims’ families, claiming that most have not received the promised financial support or medical assistance. He said only two families confirmed receiving initial aid, while an eight-year-old survivor underwent life-altering treatment after his skull was damaged.
Fakhrul also accused Hasina, now reportedly in India, of attempting to stir unrest from abroad. “She is trying to incite chaos through various provocations,” he said, pointing to recent tensions in Gopalganj.
Other senior BNP figures echoed the call for justice. Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said fascism had fallen but claimed “NGO-ism” now dominated politics. Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Aman Ullah Aman demanded that Sheikh Hasina face trial in Bangladesh for the Ashulia killings.
The event wrapped up with a rallying cry from party leaders. They urged the public to stand united behind Tarique Rahman and made a dual promise: to get justice for victims and bring back democracy.
