Kamrul Hasan : Ahead of the upcoming national election, Advocate A F M Nurtaj Alam Bahar, a member of the Manikganj District BNP Convening Committee and Public Prosecutor at the District Judge Court, has called for building a united resistance against forces opposed to freedom, the Constitution and democracy. He said that victory for the sheaf of paddy—the symbol of independence—requires unity rather than division.

He made the remarks on Tuesday night (January 27) while addressing a courtyard meeting organised by BNP and its associate organisations of Ward No. 3 under Manikganj Municipality. The meeting was held as part of the election campaign in support of BNP-nominated candidate for the Manikganj–3 constituency, Afroza Khanam Rita. The event took place at the residence of the late Belayet Hossain Khan, the first chairman of the municipality.
In his speech, Advocate Nurtaj Alam Bahar said that, in the current political context, the election is not merely a contest for a change of power; rather, it is a struggle to restore democratic rights. He claimed that forces opposed to the spirit of the Liberation War are once again attempting to become active. Under such circumstances, he stressed, ordinary citizens must remain vigilant and organised.
He further said that BNP has long been engaged in a movement to restore democracy and ensure the people’s right to vote. The upcoming election, he added, represents a crucial phase of that movement. He urged party leaders, activists, supporters and general voters to unite in favour of the sheaf of paddy symbol.
The courtyard meeting was presided over by Mohammad Mamun Khan and conducted by JASAS leader Ziaul Haque Shawon. Speakers at the meeting included founding president of the district unit of Chhatra Dal Masudul Kamrul Haque Masud, BNP convening committee member Rafiquddin Bhuiyan Habu, Asaduzzaman Khan Dolon, Riyaz Mahmud Harez, Director of the Manikganj Chamber of Commerce and Industry Shishir Das, President of the Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council Kalipada Ghosh, and Member Secretary of the District Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Welfare Front Gouranga Sarkar.
Also present were Municipal Krishak Dal President Oliar Khan, General Secretary Shamsul Haque Sujon, former municipal councillor Sayeed Khan Gyada, General Secretary of the District Dealers’ Association Tofazzal Hossain Khan Shamim, Mohammad Habibul Hossain Khan Tarif, Mohammad Tobarak Hossain Khan Riyad, Md. Mobarak Hossain, Mohammad Abis Khan, along with other leaders of BNP and its associate organisations, local dignitaries and residents.
Speakers said that a credible, inclusive and participatory election is essential to overcome the prevailing political uncertainty and crisis of public confidence. They expressed optimism that victory for the BNP-nominated candidate in Manikganj–3 would further strengthen the democratic movement in the country.