BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that the impartiality of certain advisers in the caretaker government is being questioned by the public, which is unacceptable. “The people of Bangladesh want a fair and neutral election,” he emphasized.

He made the remarks while addressing at a memorial meeting held at the Kapasia Pilot Government Boys’ High School ground in Gazipur on Saturday (11 October) afternoon, organized to mark the 9th death anniversary of the late BNP leader Hannan Shah.

Fakhrul said, “Our only demand today is to restore democracy in the country. We want an elected parliament, and that can only happen through a neutral election.”

He praised Professor Yunus, stating, “He is undoubtedly a good person, a Nobel laureate respected worldwide. That is why we have entrusted him to oversee a completely fair and acceptable election. Through this election, we hope to see a new parliament and government.”

The BNP leader alleged that some forces are attempting to disrupt the election. “There have been several attempts before. A meeting was held in London between our leader Tarique Rahman and the chief adviser, where it was decided that an election will take place in February next year, just four months from now. This has reassured the people that they will get a democratic parliament, a government, and representatives.”

He added, “We have been fighting for 15 years for a single election. Our leader Begum Khaleda Zia spent six years in prison, and our leader has been in exile for 18 years. Six million innocent party members face false cases, around 20,000 people have been killed, and 1,700, including Elias Ali, have disappeared. This is the price we have paid.”

Addressing the party activists, he urged, “Do not waste time. Those who love BNP and want its success—brothers, sisters, and mothers of BNP’s affiliated organizations—step forward, contest the election on the Dhanshish (paddy sheaf) symbol, and defeat those who have repeatedly misled and harmed the country. Make sure they never return to power.”

Fakhrul also recalled his experience with Hannan Shah in jail, praising his qualities and character. He introduced Hannan Shah’s son, Shah Riazul Hannan, as BNP’s candidate for Gazipur-4 Kapasia, raising his hand and seeking votes for him under the Dhanshish symbol.

The program was chaired by district BNP convener AKM Fazlul Haque Milon, and speakers included Shah Riazul Hannan, BNP Dhaka divisional organizational secretary Kazi Syedul Alam Babul, among others.