Dhaka: BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday asserted that his party is poised for a landslide victory in the upcoming national election, while accusing some parties of attempting to block the electoral process. Fakhrul made these remarks during a programme at the Diploma Engineers Institution in Dhaka, commemorating the 90th birth anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman.

According to United News of Bangladesh, Fakhrul highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the election, which is just 23 days away. He claimed that certain parties doubt the occurrence of the election and are actively discouraging the voting process. Fakhrul expressed confidence that the BNP would win overwhelmingly, as the public desires the party’s return to power under the leadership of Tarique Rahman.

Fakhrul criticized parties that seek votes using religious sentiments, labeling such actions as “hypocrisy.” He condemned the narrative that voting for the ‘daripalla’ symbol guarantees heaven, emphasizing that BNP’s focus is on rebuilding the nation, unlike other parties driven by vengeance and violence.

Addressing the historical context, Fakhrul criticized Jamaat for failing to represent the people’s aspirations, citing their opposition to Pakistan and the Liberation War in 1971. He accused them of spreading misleading propaganda and disregarding the aspirations of the Bengali people.

Fakhrul also accused the interim government of deception regarding the reform process agreed upon for a referendum. Despite disagreements, BNP accepted certain reforms in the country’s interest, yet they face skepticism about their commitment to reforms, which they have championed since 2022.

Highlighting the legacy of Ziaur Rahman, Fakhrul asserted that the former president provided Bangladeshis with a distinct identity, naming them ‘Bangladeshi’. He emphasized that the democratic ideals of Ziaur Rahman have been passed down through leaders like Khaleda Zia and now Tarique Rahman, who aims to construct a new, democratic Bangladesh.

During the programme, BNP standing committee members paid tribute to Ziaur Rahman and called for building a new Bangladesh under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, upholding the ideals of the former president.