BNP to Protest Again if People's Rights Are Threatened: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir warned on Saturday that his party would take to the streets once again if the rights and interests of the people are undermined. He expressed concerns about a plot to deprive citizens of their voting rights, stating that the BNP would not hesitate to act if such a threat materialized.

"We may not be on the streets right now, but we are with the people, sharing in their joy and sorrow, delivering iftar items and Eid gifts," Fakhrul said while distributing Eid gifts to the poor in the Beraid area of Badda. "However, if any action is taken that harms the interests of the people or our party, we, the BNP, will take to the streets once again."

The event was organized by the BNP’s Dhaka North City unit ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, and Fakhrul represented party leader Tarique Rahman at the gathering.

Fakhrul further warned of a conspiracy, both domestic and international, aimed at delaying elections and stripping the public of their voting rights. "We will not allow this to happen," he declared, calling on the people to prepare for a movement to defend their rights.

He also reflected on the hardships faced by BNP leaders and activists over the past 15 years in their struggle to restore the right to vote. "We have endured immense repression for this cause," Fakhrul added.

Fakhrul reminded attendees of the historical struggle in which the people were freed from what he termed Sheikh Hasina's "monstrous and fascist" regime on August 6, after 36 days of protests and the united efforts of political parties and students.

Addressing the role of the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, Fakhrul reiterated its responsibility to ensure free and fair elections by creating a level playing field. "But whenever we talk about elections, many claim that the BNP only raises this issue. It’s only natural for us to do so, as we’ve fought all our battles for this very cause," he concluded.