Staff Correspondent, Dhaka
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary general of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), on Saturday said that the fall of the fascist government has created an opportunity for the people.
"We always aim to make the country free from corruption, safeguard democracy, protect people's right to speak, and ensure the independence of the press," he said.
He made these comments during a virtual speech as the chief guest at a student gathering organized by the district chapter of the Nationalist Student Party (Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal) on the occasion of its 46th founding anniversary, held at the Thakurgaon General Library Ground.
He said that at this moment, the entire public, including students, must remain united.
Addressing the students, he advised them to first focus on their studies and aim to stand on their own feet with good results.
After that, he encouraged them to focus on the nation, adopt the ideals of nationalism, and spread this strong philosophy among the people.
The BNP secretary general also mentioned that Shaheed president Ziaur Rahman, despite having a short time in power, had taken many groundbreaking steps for the intellectual development of students and to create a society free of discrimination.
Unfortunately, he did not have enough time to fully realize his goals.
Mirza Fakhrul further said: "For the past 15 years, we have been struggling against the fascist government, which destroyed the country's education system, economy, and electoral process. They killed and injured thousands of students during the anti-discrimination student movements."
He added: "Now that we have managed to bring down the fascist government, a new opportunity has arisen before us."
Mirza Fakhrul also mentioned that many conspiracies and plots have started to emerge, but they will not bow down to these conspiracies.
He reminded that those who participated in the Liberation War through the declaration of Shaheed president Ziaur Rahman wanted a state free of discrimination. However, today, discrimination and corruption exist in every sector.
He said that only through free and fair elections with public participation can a sovereign parliament be established, thus fulfilling these objectives.
Addressing the students, Mirza Fakhrul said: "Students must always engage in intellectual pursuits. They must now engage in knowledge-based politics, focusing on how the welfare of the country, the family, and their personal development can be achieved. Students must work towards these goals."
