[🇧🇩] BNP Jamaat On A Collision Course

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BNP censures Jamaat for using religion for gain

Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday slammed the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing the party of political opportunism, passing inconsistent messages, and exploiting religion for its own gain.

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BNP censures Jamaat for using religion for gain
Staff Correspondent 22 November, 2025, 23:44

Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday slammed the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing the party of political opportunism, passing inconsistent messages, and exploiting religion for its own gain.

He said that there was propaganda claiming that anyone who obtained a Jamaat ticket would also secure a ticket to heaven.

‘This is not right. Using religion for political milage is wrong; Islam never endorses it,’ Fakhrul said.

Fakhrul also said that the party, which had long insisted on proportional representation for elections, had now noticeably softened its tone.

Criticising the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for shifting its stance, Fakhrul said that it was now clear that there were activities everywhere for the elections, with drums and trumpets seeming to sound all around.

‘These things are not right. Whatever you tell the people, you should tell them correctly and one should follow that path. Misleading people and guiding them down the wrong path — I do not know where in Islam this is allowed,’ he said.

Fakhrul made the remarks at a discussion titled ‘The leading role of caretakers in mosque-based mass and child literacy programme’ conducted by the Islamic Foundation for developing morality and religious values in nation-building, held at the Institution of Diploma Engineers at Kakrail in the capital.

Indicating the Jamaat, the BNP secretary general said that the most important point was that the party could not even establish itself in the political arena on its own, while the late President Ziaur Rahman had given them the opportunity to enter politics.

Fakhrul said that they first came under the name Islamic Democratic League and later they also worked with the BNP.

The BNP secretary general said that unfortunately, in the past ten years, they had not seen any visible efforts by the party to oppose fascist Hasina.

Fakhrul criticised the demand for a referendum with four questions, warning that they would confuse voters.

Highlighting the upcoming elections in February, he called for unity to ensure a fair and inclusive vote that could establish a democratic government and parliament.

Fakhrul said that parliamentary discussions would address national issues as the decisions would reflect the people’s will.​

 

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Youth Poll shows BNP and Jamaat battling for dominance, with high number of undecideds

A new scientific poll has been published focusing on Bangladeshis aged between 18 and 35 — a demographic that makes up roughly one-third of the total electorate. The survey was conducted by the Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC), an organization established in 2009 to provide leadership...

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Youth Poll shows BNP and Jamaat battling for dominance, with high number of undecideds
Polls in Bangladesh often face public scepticism, even when scientifically conducted. Many argue that a few thousand respondents cannot represent the complexity of Bangladesh’s population, or that citizens are reluctant to reveal their true political preferences to strangers.

David Bergman
Updated: 25 Nov 2025, 10: 53

A new scientific poll has been published focusing on Bangladeshis aged between 18 and 35 — a demographic that makes up roughly one-third of the total electorate.

The survey was conducted by the Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC), an organization established in 2009 to provide leadership training to students from English, Bengali, and Madrassa educational backgrounds. Between 10 and 25 October, the BYLC polled 2,545 respondents, chosen through randomized sampling designed to reflect the country’s geographic and demographic diversity.

Polls in Bangladesh often face public scepticism, even when scientifically conducted. Many argue that a few thousand respondents cannot represent the complexity of Bangladesh’s population, or that citizens are reluctant to reveal their true political preferences to strangers.

While a healthy degree of scepticism of polls in general is warranted, dismissing them entirely risks missing valuable insights — particularly since results from multiple surveys since the fall of the previous government have shown broadly consistent patterns.


Here are the six key takeaways

1. High voter intention among youth

A striking finding is the youth’s strong intention to vote. Among those polled, 90 per cent identified as registered voters, and of these, an overwhelming 97 per cent said they plan to vote in the upcoming national election. This suggests that young Bangladeshis remain highly engaged in the country’s democratic process.

2. BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami neck and neck

The poll indicates a tight race between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Jamaat-e-Islami, with the BNP holding a slight three-point lead (BNP 20 per cent, Jamaat 17 per cent).

While a healthy degree of scepticism of polls in general is warranted, dismissing them entirely risks missing valuable insights — particularly since results from multiple surveys since the fall of the previous government have shown broadly consistent patterns.
Given that the margin of error likely encompasses this difference, both parties appear to have comparable levels of support among young voters.

Regional variations, however, tell a more nuanced story. The BNP enjoys stronger support in Chattogram (19 per cent vs. 10 per cent), Dhaka (24 per cent vs. 19 per cent), and Rajshahi (39 per cent vs. 27 per cent), while Jamaat leads in Khulna (29 per cent vs. 13 per cent).

It is of course worth mentioning that with a first past the post constituency system, the overall percentages can be misleading as how well a party does depends on how “efficiently” the vote is spread in different constituencies.

The rise of Jamaat-e-Islami stands out as one of the most significant developments in post-Hasina Bangladesh. Jamaat’s involvement in supporting Pakistan in 1971, including its role in war crimes, appears to have lost much of its former stigma. Its attempt to reposition itself as a “moderate” religious party does also seem to be working. Yet, with only 17 per cent support, Jamaat remains well short of majority appeal.

Many observers have been surprised by how some Awami League supporters now appear willing to back the Jamaat-e-Islami — historically the party’s fiercest rival.
For the BNP, meanwhile, 20 per cent is a disappointing figure. Many analysts had expected the party to be the chief beneficiary of the Awami League’s collapse. The BNP is historically believed to command at least a third of the national vote, with many commentators concluding that, as Awami League’s authoritarianism increased, its support had become much higher. However, BNP’s relatively modest showing suggests that, with the Awami League no longer a key protagonist, its support has dropped off.

3. Awami League retains notable support

Perhaps surprisingly, 10 per cent of the young respondents said they would vote for the Awami League, making it the third largest party despite its years of authoritarianism and its deadly role in July and August 2024. Given the current climate — when the Awami League is subject to constant public vilification and taking part in its activities is criminalized — this figure indicates a significant undercurrent of residual loyalty, suggesting that the Awami League’s base remains resilient. It should be noted that the poll was undertaken before the conviction at the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity of the former prime minister and home minister.

4. Disappointing start for the National Citizen Party

The National Citizens Party (NCP), formed by students who led the July 2024 protests, registered only 4 per cent support among respondents. Considering that young people form the NCP’s primary constituency, this result underscores its weak organizational base and limited electoral reach. Without strategic alliances, it is unlikely to secure parliamentary representation.

5. The undecided and the silent voters

The poll’s most consequential finding may be the large share of undecided voters. About 30 per cent of young people say they have not yet made up their minds, leaving substantial room for shifts as the election approaches.

An additional 18 per cent declined to reveal their preference — a group that could include a significant number of “shy” Awami League supporters reluctant to speak openly. If even half of this group leans toward the Awami League, the party’s real support could surpass that of either the BNP or Jamaat individually, though still below the combined opposition.

6. The fate of the former Awami League vote

Assuming the Awami League remains barred from contesting, the poll offers clues about where its former supporters might turn. Over half (56 per cent) say they would abstain from voting, whilst those that would vote, shifting their support to the BNP (20 per cent) or Jamaat (18 per cent), with 41 per cent still undecided.

Many observers have been surprised by how some Awami League supporters now appear willing to back the Jamaat-e-Islami — historically the party’s fiercest rival. There are likely two main explanations for this shift. First, at the local level, BNP activists have reportedly been particularly punitive toward former Awami League members, prompting some to view Jamaat as the lesser of two evils. Second, a segment of Awami League voters may see a Jamaat victory as vindication — proof that the Awami League was right in claiming it was the only true barrier preventing Bangladesh from sliding toward a religious state.

Conclusion

The BYLC youth poll shows how the BNP and Jamaat are battling for dominance but neither commanding broad enthusiasm. The Awami League’s enduring loyalty base and the large pool of undecided voters mean that Bangladesh’s political future remains very fluid.​

 

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At least 25 injured after BNP-Jamaat clash over election campaigning in Ishwardi

A clash broke out between BNP and Jamaat activists in Ishwardi, Pabna, over election campaigning on Thursday afternoon. Jamaat claims that BNP supporters attacked them during their campaign. BNP, however, says that local villagers jointly chased the Jamaat supporters. At least 25 people from...

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At least 25 injured after BNP-Jamaat clash over election campaigning in Ishwardi
CorrespondentPabna
Updated: 27 Nov 2025, 23: 13

A clash broke out between BNP and Jamaat activists in Ishwardi, Pabna, over election campaigning on Thursday afternoon. Jamaat claims that BNP supporters attacked them during their campaign. BNP, however, says that local villagers jointly chased the Jamaat supporters.

At least 25 people from both sides were injured in the incident, which took place in Char Gargari village of Sahapur Union. Seven of the injured were taken to the Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex, while the others received primary treatment at various private clinics.

According to party sources, in the Pabna-4 (Ishwardi–Atgharia) constituency, BNP’s nominated candidate is Habibur Rahman, adviser to the party chairperson and convenor of the district BNP. Jamaat’s candidate is the district Jamaat amir, Abu Taleb Mondal. For the past several days, supporters of the two sides had been embroiled in disputes in Char Gargari village. Two days ago, they had an argument that escalated into scuffles.

Speaking to local residents and eyewitnesses, it was learned that on Thursday afternoon Jamaat’s candidate, Abu Taleb Mondal, went to the area for campaign outreach. When they reached Alhajj Mor in the village, supporters of the BNP candidate obstructed them. After a brief exchange of heated words and scuffles, the Jamaat candidate left. On his way back, however, another clash broke out between the two sides in the village’s Mridhapara neighborhood. During this time, several shots were reportedly fired, and several motorcycles along with the Jamaat candidate’s vehicle were vandalised. At least 25 people from both sides were injured. Local residents later rescued them and took them to the Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex and various private healthcare facilities.

Regarding the incident, Jamaat candidate Abu Taleb Mondal alleged that they had gone to the village as part of their pre-scheduled campaign programme, accompanied by about 150 motorcycles. On their way back, supporters of BNP candidate Habibur Rahman attacked them and opened fire. Several motorcycles were vandalised. He claimed that at least 50 of their supporters were injured, including six who suffered gunshot wounds. Those hit by bullets were sent to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, while others are receiving treatment locally.

BNP candidate Habibur Rahman, speaking over the phone, said that Jamaat’s female activists had been going door to door in the village, promising “tickets to heaven” in exchange for votes. Local BNP leaders protested this. In response, Jamaat’s candidate and district amir, Abu Taleb Mondal, allegedly stormed the village with an armed convoy.

They assaulted two BNP activists. At that point, villagers gathered and chased them. Jamaat supporters then fired shots and assaulted BNP activists. Several BNP activists were injured; one has been sent to Dhaka, and others are being treated at different hospitals.

Ishwardi Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge (OC), ASM Abdun Nur, said that they arrived at the scene upon receiving the report and attempted to bring the situation under control. The situation is now normal, and police have been deployed in the area. However, no complaint has been filed yet. Legal action will be taken if a complaint is lodged.​

 

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Even without being in power, some show the arrogance of power: Jamaat ameer

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s ameer Shafiqur Rahman said, “No patriotic party suddenly emerged as extortionists after the 5th. Those who did emerge, we sat with them with responsibility and concern. This is a betrayal of the blood of the martyrs; this must stop. If it is not stopped, the...

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Even without being in power, some show the arrogance of power: Jamaat ameer

Correspondent Khulna
Published: 01 Dec 2025, 23: 08

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami ameer Shafiqur Rahman addresses the divisional rally organised by the 8-party alliance in Khulna on Monday (1 December, 2025) Prothom Alo

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami ameer Shafiqur Rahman said, “No patriotic party suddenly emerged as extortionists after the 5th. Those who did emerge, we sat with them with responsibility and concern. This is a betrayal of the blood of the martyrs; this must stop. If it is not stopped, the revolutionary people, the youth, and the mothers who came out on the streets with children in their arms will not forgive us. It has not been stopped. Extortion continues. Corruption continues. Many are flexing the power of authority without even being in power. They are trying to carry out an administrative coup.”

He made these remarks at a divisional rally held this afternoon, Monday, at the historic Shibbari intersection in Khulna city. The rally was organised as part of the central programme of eight parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, who participated in the simultaneous movement against the Awami League government.

The eight parties have been campaigning on five demands. The demands include providing legal basis for the July Charter, allocating seats in the upper house of parliament based on the votes received by the parties and holding a separate national referendum before the general parliamentary election.

At the rally, Jamaat ameer Shafiqur Rahman said, “Ahead of the upcoming election, we hear that some people are conspiring in different places by any means and through various tactics. Whether the people vote or not, they intend to take power. Their day is over and the time is up. The sun has already set. This will not happen in Bangladesh and we will not allow it to happen, Insha Allah.”

Commenting on the rise in extortion rates compared to before, Jamaat ameer Shafiqul Rahman said, “For a country to become a civilised nation, it must be free of corruption. Some parties and individuals have repeatedly made Bangladesh a champion of corruption and brought it shame on the global stage. The people of Bangladesh hold the record of all their past actions. Sadly, the mass uprising of 5 August took place against all fascism, corruption, inequality, and misrule. From the first day after that uprising, a group has pounced on the people of Bangladesh to build their own fortune. Today, society is exhausted and overwhelmed by the dominance of extortionists. The situation is desperate. Investors, industrialists, businessmen, and small traders—none are at peace. They all breathe a poisonous sigh of relief because the extortion rate has increased compared to before. They say, 'We were not good before, now it is worse.' But no Islamic party has been labeled as an extortionist. But no Islamic party has ever been labelled as extortionist.”

Commenting on the country’s judicial system, Shafiqur Rahman said, “Fifty-four years of independence have passed, yet the cherished dreams of the people of independent Bangladesh have largely not been realised. Some visible development has taken place, and we do not deny that. However, this development is not the real progress of a nation; the real progress of a nation lies in whether justice and social fairness exist within the country and among its people. From the village courts to the highest courts, today those without influence or power, those without banked money, have no access to justice in Bangladesh.”

Leaders of 8-party alliance raise hands on the stage at their divisional rally held in Khulna on Monday (1 December, 2025)

The Jamaat ameer said, “If, out of confusion, despair or anger, anyone thinks of stepping into quicksand, then if necessary, another 5 August will take place. From now on, we must build unity. Unity will enter Bangladesh’s national parliament in the coming days as the victor. No one will be able to stop this victory. The coming vote is for unity, against division, for justice, for the Qur’an, for the people. We do not want the victory of these eight parties. We want the victory of 180 million people. We do not want the victory of any particular party. We want the victory of the oppressed people. We want the victory of Allah’s Qur’an. Our struggle will continue until our demands are fulfilled.”

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis amir Mamunul Haque said, “Bangladesh is now divided into two groups—one group follows the Baksal line of ’72, and the other is the revolutionary force of 2024. After crossing a sea of blood, the fascism that was expelled through the July Revolution of ’24 will not return to the soil of Bengal. We united to implement the legal basis of the July Charter. A referendum must be held to give the July Charter full legal legitimacy. Do not mix everything up and destroy its significance. The referendum should be arranged before the national election.”

He asked everyone to pray for the recovery of BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

At the rally, Khelafat Majlis senior nayeb-e-ameer Maulana Sakhawat Hossain said, “If the eight parties come to power, there will be no extortionists. The people have united, and no one will be able to break this unity, Insha Allah.”

The rally was presided over by Islami Andolan Bangladesh ameer, Charmonai Pir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim. He said the country had won independence under the three slogans of establishing equality, human dignity and justice. But those who have run the country over the past 53 years have failed to implement even a fraction of these three goals. He said they repeatedly deceived the nation and repeatedly ranked the country first in theft and corruption.

“They have taken mothers’ children away from their laps, destroyed the lives of millions of people through false cases, laundered our country’s money abroad while sitting in the seat of power, and created ‘Begum Para’,” he added.

Referring to the BNP, Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim further said, “You (BNP) have calculated the outcome of the February election and realised that the ground beneath your feet has shifted. Now you are conspiring to delay the election. Let it be clear to you that there is no environment for the people to give opinions or verdicts in your favour. Forget the idea that you will seize the centres through thuggery and various armed groups and take the seat of power. The people of the country are now alert.”

At the rally, speeches were also delivered by mufti Musa bin Izhar, secretary-general of Bangladesh Nezam-e-Islam Party; Yusuf Sadek Haqqani, secretary-general of Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon; Rashed Pradhan, co-chairman and spokesperson of the Jatiya Ganotantrik Party (JAGPA); Anwarul Islam Chan, chairman of Bangladesh Development Party (BDP); Abdul Awal, central nayebe amir of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and Yunus Ahmad, secretary-general; Hamidur Rahman Azad, assistant secretary-general of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami; and professor Iqbal Hossain, general secretary of JAGPA.​

 

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People saw their role in 1971: Tarique Rahman

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman said that some people or certain groups are often heard saying that different parties have been seen in power at different times, and that this time people should “see” someone else (Jamaat-e-Islami). The people of this country already saw that ‘someone else’...

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People saw their role in 1971: Tarique Rahman
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 07 Dec 2025, 20: 46

Tarique Rahman delivers a speech virtually at an event held at the Krishibid Institution in Khamarbari, Farmgate, Dhaka on 7 December. Prothom Alo

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman said that some people or certain groups are often heard saying that different parties have been seen in power at different times, and that this time people should “see” someone else (Jamaat-e-Islami).

The people of this country already saw that ‘someone else’ in 1971—how, in pursuit of their own interests, they killed hundreds of thousands of people.

The BNP acting chairman added, “Recently I have heard some individuals or groups saying in various places, and some even on social media, that we have seen this one, we have seen that one—now see this one. The ones they are telling us to ‘see’ were already seen by the people of the country back in 1971. In 1971, in order to protect their own interests, they killed hundreds of thousands of people—just as the fallen autocratic regime killed thousands of people before fleeing to hold on to power. Those who say, ‘Just give them a chance,’ should remember that the people of this country already saw them in 1971.”

“They did not just kill hundreds of thousands of people; we must also remember how their collaborators even violated the honour of mothers and sisters,” he added.

Tarique Rahman made these remarks as the chief guest while joining virtually an event held on Sunday afternoon at the Krishibid Institute at Khamarbari in the capital’s Farmgate area.

BNP organised the event titled ‘Plan for Nation-Building’ on the occasion of December, the month of victory.

More than a thousand leaders from district-level units of the BNP-affiliated student organisation, Chhatra Dal, from across the country participated.

Without naming any party but clearly referring to Jamaat-e-Islami, the BNP acting chairman said that some individuals of a political party, or many of its members, are going around selling “tickets” of various things and offering “confirmations” for them.

Tarique Rahman said, “Allah is the owner of hell, heaven, and this world—of everything. When someone other than Allah claims authority over matters that only Allah can determine or speak about, from my basic understanding, that amounts to shirk (a sin of sharing Allah’s authority with someone else.) It falls within the category of shirk.”

Addressing the Chhatra Dal leaders present at the programme, Tarique Rahman said they must go door to door and make people understand that those who say such things are committing shirk, and that those who listen to them will also fall into shirk.

Earlier in the morning, the programme was inaugurated by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. The event was chaired by BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and moderated by another joint secretary general, Habib un Nabi Khan (Sohel).

Also present at the programme were BNP chairperson’s adviser Ismail Zabiullah, Dhaka district BNP general secretary Nipun Roy Chowdhury, Dhaka north city BNP convener Aminul Haque, adviser to the BNP acting chairman Mahdi Amin, BNP media cell convener Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel, BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan, among others.​

 

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‘You know who uses religion -- those who pray more during elections’

Jamaat will form a national govt with all parties, even if it wins a majority, says its Ameer Shafiqur

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‘You know who uses religion -- those who pray more during elections’
Jamaat will form a national govt with all parties, even if it wins a majority, says its Ameer Shafiqur

Shafiqur Rahman. Photo: Collected

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman today said they deeply feel that a national government is necessary for at least five years to restore the country's stability and economy, establish the rule of law, and eradicate corruption from society.

"If elected, we will form this government. We will expect just two things from those who would join this government. We will expect that no one engages in corruption, nor shows leniency towards corruption in any form. And secondly, they must not interfere in ensuring equal justice for all," he told journalists after a high-level meeting with an EU delegation at the EU embassy.

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He added that Jamaat is willing to form a government with those who agree to these two minimum conditions.

Jamaat will form a national government with all political parties, even if it wins a majority in the upcoming 13th national election, said the Jamaat leader.

"In the interest of the country -- even if we, by the will of Allah, win 200 seats -- we will still form such a government, In sha Allah," he added.

"We told them [the EU delegation] that if we are elected by the will of Allah and through the people's support, we will build an inclusive Bangladesh, In sha Allah. We will not exclude any party," he said.

The Jamaat chief also spoke about allegations that the party is using religion in election campaigns.

"We work with religion; we do not use religion for political gains," he said. "You know better who actually uses religion -- those who suddenly start praying more during elections, who put on caps, and carry prayer beads."

He also said there was no scope for deferring the election.

"We believe the election must be held within the declared February timeline. Any deviation from it will severely harm the country. And we do not want the country to be harmed by anyone," he added.​

 

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Anti-independence forces pretend to change position: Mirza Fakhrul

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said there is no reason to trust those who denied Bangladesh’s independence. He said the forces that opposed Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 are now changing their stance and acting as if they alone can build a new Bangladesh. The people of...

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Anti-independence forces pretend to change position: Mirza Fakhrul
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Updated: 14 Dec 2025, 17: 04

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir addresses an event at the Bangladesh Auditorium of the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Kakrail, in the capital on 14 December, 2025 Prothom Alo

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said there is no reason to trust those who denied Bangladesh’s independence.

He said the forces that opposed Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 are now changing their stance and acting as if they alone can build a new Bangladesh. The people of Bangladesh cannot believe this.

Mirza Fakhrul made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion organised by the Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh auditorium in Kakrail in the capital on Sunday, marking Martyred Intellectuals Day.

Freedom fighters and members of martyrs’ families were present at the event.

The BNP secretary general said, “I, at least, do not think there is any reason to trust someone who has denied my independence.”

Mirza Fakhrul said, “Through struggle and war we secured an independent land. Because of that, we are alive and able to survive here. Today, the question has arisen whether this land will remain on the path of independence or drift towards those who once tried to undermine that independence. This is because those anti-independence forces have once again raised their heads and are now misleading people in the name of religion. They tried to mislead people in the same way in 1971 as well.”

The BNP leader said, “Let me be very clear. This force opposed the Pakistan movement in 1947. It opposed Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. Today, that same force has changed its face and attitude, pretending as if it alone can build a new Bangladesh. We, the people of Bangladesh, cannot believe that.”

The BNP secretary general highlighted the history of Martyred Intellectuals Day.

He said, “On 14 December 1971, the Pakistani occupation forces, along with their local collaborators, systematically killed the country’s finest sons—intellectuals, teachers, physicians, engineers, writers, and journalists. Their aim was to leave Bangladesh devoid of talent for the future. But that conspiracy failed. Just two days later, the Pakistani forces had to surrender.”

Mirza Fakhrul said that success never comes through conspiracy. Success comes by staying on the path of truth, through struggle and sustained effort.

The BNP secretary general said the country is now at a critical juncture. Without bowing to any intrigue or conspiracy, the time has come to build a democratic and liberal Bangladesh through national unity. A new Bangladesh must be built in line with the vision of Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia, and the 31-point programme announced by Tarique Rahman.

Mirza Fakhrul also described the upcoming election as a contest between two forces. He said that on one side is the force supporting Bangladesh—its independence, sovereignty, and liberal democracy.

On the other side is the regressive force that opposed independence in the past and now seeks to mislead people using religion. Just as they tried to mislead in the name of religion in 1971, the same strategy is being employed today.

Remembering the martyred intellectuals, the BNP secretary general said that the Pakistani forces and their collaborators had abducted and brutally killed countless eminent people, including philosophers, writers, physicians, and journalists.

He added that there is no room to forget this history, and there is no reason to forgive those who murdered the nation’s finest sons and daughters that day.

The BNP secretary general said that fascism has recently been driven out through the struggle to restore democracy. However, this does not mean that any new form of fascism will be allowed to rise. Forces that seek to push the country backwards must be resisted.

He said Bangladesh has always been a country of communal harmony, where Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians have lived side by side for generations with their own cultures. The people of this country have never accepted the imposition of any ideology by force, and they never will.

Mirza Fakhrul alleged that the defeated forces, unwilling to accept their loss, are conspiring to destabilise the country.

Expressing firm resolve, he said the people of Bangladesh never bow to injustice, and no conspiracy can defeat the unity of the people.

The discussion was chaired by Istiak Aziz Ulfat, president of the Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal.

Other speakers included BNP chairperson’s adviser Abdus Salam, Moazzem Hossain Alal, and BNP executive committee’s Muktijuddho affairs secretary Lt. Colonel (Retd.) Zainul Abedin, among others.​