Mirza Fakhrul Urges All Parties to Participate in Elections

On Saturday (25 October), speaking at an event organized at the Shilpakala Academy to mark the 21st anniversary of the daily newspaper Naya Diganta, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called on all political parties to participate in the upcoming elections.

He said, “The election date has been announced to be within February 2026. Through the unity of parties that have signed the Reform Charter, we aim to create an environment for a credible and participatory election. I urge everyone to take part in the elections to restore democracy. Setting aside minor differences, all political parties should participate in the next national elections to uphold democratic governance.”

Mirza Fakhrul also reflected on history, saying, “During the 1975 BAKSAL regime, the press suffered severe restrictions, and journalists lost their jobs; many had to take to street vending. It was later President Ziaur Rahman who restored press freedom and re-established multiparty democracy.”

He added, “During the past fascist era, 6 million BNP activists faced false cases, 20,000 workers were killed, and many were forcibly disappeared. The people of this country desire an independent and democratic Bangladesh—one that is not controlled by any foreign power but governed by the will of its people.”