BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said that if the wrong candidate or the wrong party is voted into power, the country will move backwards.
“We had to struggle a lot to get the February 12 election. We had to carry out a movement for 15 years. Cases were filed against around 60 lakh leaders and activists; 20,000 people lost their lives; 1,700 people were disappeared; and during the July uprising, nearly 2,000 students and citizens had to give their lives — only then did we get the election.
“That is why we consider this election to be very important. If we cannot elect the right government in this election, we will have to move in the wrong direction again,” Fakhrul, also a candidate for Thakurgaon-1, said during an election rally in Akcha union of Thakurgaon Sadar.
The country has suffered immensely over the last 15-16 years, he said, adding that some people looted banks, fled with the money, and later expanded businesses and built homes abroad.
“Bangladesh must be rebuilt by avoiding conflict and casting votes for the right person….”
Quoting his party chairman Tarique Rahman, Fakhrul outlined the benefits that would be provided through “family cards” and “farmer cards”, and mentioned the BNP’s plans to create one crore jobs for educated unemployed youths within 18 months if voted to power.
“These are not mere words. He [Tarique] will implement them and ensure law and order.”
He said non-communal politics would be introduced, fostering fraternity among people of all religions. “Communalism — divisions between Hindus and Muslims — will be completely eliminated…. Religion belongs to individuals; the state belongs to all.
“No one will face harassment or cases because of their faith. Those who seek to create such divisions want to harm the country,” he said, adding that all people would be able to practise their own religions and work in their chosen professions.
Referring to Jamaat-e-Islami, the BNP leader said that when Bangladesh fought the 1971 Liberation War, the party did not support the struggle for independence. “Millions of people were martyred, and mothers and sisters were violated…. Those who supported the Pakistan army at the time have never apologised even once.
“They never said they were wrong then and never asked for forgiveness before engaging in politics.”
He added that those who opposed the country’s independence and did not even apologise for it cannot be entrusted with the responsibility of running the state.
Fakhrul alleged that Maulana Maududi was the chief leader of Jamaat, which is why the party is often referred to as “Maududi’s Jamaat”.
He claimed Maududi introduced a “new interpretation of Islam that is not accepted by mainstream Islamic beliefs”.
“Many say he acted outside the teachings of Islam…. We cannot accept a party that has acted outside religion, worked against the country, and supported mass killings.”