The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will prioritise the restoration of democracy and economic advancement if entrusted with state power through popular mandate, said party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday (Sept 1).

Speaking to reporters at the tomb of the party’s founder, former president Ziaur Rahman, in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, Fakhrul made the remarks as the BNP marked its 47th founding anniversary. 

He said that under the leadership of acting chairman Tarique Rahman, the party plans to usher in political transformation and foster robust economic growth.

Fakhrul highlighted that Ziaur Rahman brought about significant changes in Bangladesh’s political landscape in a short span of time, ensuring press freedom, fundamental rights, and the independence of the judiciary. 

He also credited Zia for introducing a free-market economy that led to sweeping economic reforms.

Addressing the party’s resilience, Fakhrul said repeated attempts had been made to destroy the BNP, yet its leaders and supporters had continued to struggle, inspired by the ideals of Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia. 

He said that for the past 15 years, acting chairman Tarique Rahman has led the movement to restore democracy.

The BNP leader alleged that approximately 60 lakh of the party’s activists had been falsely implicated in legal cases, 20,000 killed, and around 1,700 forcibly disappeared or murdered, resulting in what he described as the imposition of a "terrifying fascism" in the country. However, he claimed that by the grace of God, the people’s uprising had liberated the nation once again.

Looking ahead, Fakhrul said the BNP would offer its full cooperation to ensure that the upcoming elections are held in a fair and transparent manner. 

Reaffirming the party’s commitment, he reiterated that if the BNP assumes power through public support, it will pursue political reforms and economic growth under Tarique Rahman’s stewardship — aiming to propel Bangladesh forward.

SMS/