Mirza Fakhrul Warns BNP Leaders and Activists: Lack of Unity Could Lead to a Repeat of 1/11

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), cautioned party leaders and activists that a lack of unity and vigilance could lead to events similar to the 1/11 political crisis. He made these remarks as the chief guest at an event titled *“The Role of Lawyers in the Transition from Fascism to Democracy: Discussion and Documentary Screening”* held on Thursday evening at the Supreme Court Bar Association auditorium in Dhaka.

Addressing the gathering, Mirza Fakhrul said, “We must remain very cautious. We are walking on a very delicate tightrope. If you keep your eyes and ears open, you’ll notice several incidents occurring around us that do not bode well. We need to stay alert.”

He commented that the general public in Bangladesh does not understand proportional representation (PR) or similar electoral systems. “We certainly want reforms, but the common people want an election where they can elect a new government and their representatives who will speak for them in parliament. It’s a simple equation,” he said. He further questioned why controversies and debates are being created, suggesting they serve a specific purpose. “These are not random. There’s a motive behind them—to push us back to the days of 1/11 or even to the era of Ershad’s power grab. There’s a group that repeatedly tries to strangle democracy in this country. Even Sheikh Mujibur Rahman did this by introducing a one-party system (BAKSAL).” Highlighting BNP’s commitment to liberal democracy, Mirza Fakhrul said, “We want the people of our country to regain their voting rights. Let them vote and elect their representatives to form a parliament and government. If that government fails in five years, the people will vote them out in the next election and choose another party. Why is there so much debate over such a straightforward issue?” He also warned that delaying elections would not be wise for the government led by Professor Yunus. “If elections are not held by the February deadline, the respect and global recognition you have earned may be tarnished,” he remarked. At the event, Gonoforum President Subrata Chowdhury criticized the chief adviser, stating, “Over the past year, the chief adviser has taken up a program based on public aspirations but has created too much complexity in the name of reforms through the formation of a national consensus commission. In my personal opinion, this is leading to misreforms and bad practices. You don’t have such an extensive mandate to meddle in everything. Stop for a moment. The July declaration is fine, but how much more time will you take?” He added, “We don’t have much time. Elections must be held by February, and there should be no deviation. Don’t force lawyers and political parties across the country to return to street movements.” In his presidential address, Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum President Joynul Abedin said, “I see no consensus or roadmap for elections yet. Walk the path of democracy. If lawyers in black coats take to the streets, no one can stop them. Provide a roadmap for elections and prepare to step down.” He also urged the chief adviser to remove two young advisers from their posts. The event began with the screening of a documentary, followed by a welcome address by Supreme Court Bar Association Secretary Mahfuzur Rahman Milon. The program, chaired by Joynul Abedin and moderated by Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum General Secretary Kaysar Kamal, also featured speeches by Senior Vice President Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Quddus Kazal, Organizing Secretary Gazi Kamrul Islam, Joint Secretaries Md. Kamal Hossain and Mohammad Ali, and Supreme Court Unit Member Secretary Gazi Touhidul Islam, among others.