AL not a democratic force: Fakhrul

Saying that the Awami League has never believed in democracy, opposition BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday observed that the ruling party has killed it.

“The Awami League has proved through the 11th parliamentary election that the party is not a democratic force,” he told a discussion.

It was organised at the Engineers’ Institution in the capital to mark ‘Ekhusey February Martyr Day and International Language Day’.

Fakhrul told the BNP leaders and activists not to lose moral strength or be frustrated. “We have to fight back against autocracy and fascism.”

“Why do you think that you have been defeated? We’ll fight and must win. We’ve to sacrifice a lot in that struggle,” Fakhrul said.

BNP standing committee member Moudud Ahmed added, there was no election on 30 December and the AL men took over state power through vote rigging.

He pointed out that the popularity of BNP is not enough and it has been proved.

“Popularity yields nothing without a strong organisation,” Moudud said adding that those in the party who undergo immense sufferings for the party will have to be given opportunity.

Mirza Fakhrul called on the partymen to strengthen the party and free BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia who has been in jail for over a year.

He demanded the unconditional release of Khaleda Zia, a former prime minister, and ensuring her proper treatment.

BNP standing committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan urged the leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal to free Khaleda Zia and restore a multiparty democracy.

When Fakhrul was adressing, BNP leaders and activists present there demanded fresh agitation programmes.

The BNP secretary general said the programmes cannot be floated “whenever you demand”.

“Either give programmes or dissolve the BNP,” the leaders and activists shouted back.

“We understand your anger and pains,” he said. “You have to understand it is not an easy task to become successful when democratic force fights against the fascism.”