BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday called upon all political parties to move their activities from the streets to the parliament, stressing that the time has come to strengthen parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh.

Speaking at the general meeting and conference of the Bangladesh Water Development Board Nationalist Workers and Employees Union at the Pani Bhaban’s Multipurpose Hall, Fakhrul urged political parties to rise above minor differences and work together to make the upcoming national election truly meaningful.

“We must come up from the streets to the parliament. How long will we stay on the streets? We have been on the streets for 50 years. We must try to solve problems and make democracy a political culture through the National July Charter,” Fakhrul said.

The BNP leader acknowledged the interim government’s efforts, saying it is attempting to do good work. However, he noted that reversing years of damage caused by the Awami League would take time.

“No one can clear all the mess in just one year. The Awami League has created heaps of problems and destroyed much over the past 15 years. It’s impossible to fix everything in such a short time,” he said.

Fakhrul emphasised that political parties must now act responsibly to ensure a free, fair and participatory election, and focus on making the next parliament the centre of political activities.

“Through the parliament that will be formed by the election, we must focus on strengthening the parliamentary system. All activities must be centred on parliament. Otherwise, parliamentary democracy will not function,” he said, adding that successful democracies worldwide have made parliament their main political arena.

Fakhrul expressed hope that all political parties would take part in the upcoming election.

“Let us all, as we have set aside our minor differences to sign the charter, do the same in the upcoming election. Let us overcome our differences and make the election truly meaningful,” he said.

He said a free and fair election would ensure a vibrant parliament and allow democracy to take firm root. “If democracy is genuinely established, the demands of all sections of society, including workers, will be recognised and fulfilled,” he added.

Referring to the signing of the July Charter earlier in the day, Fakhrul described it as a historic political event and “an unprecedented moment in Bangladesh’s political history.”

“The Charter can bring structural reforms and constitutional amendments, strengthen democratic institutions and make politics more transparent,” he said.

Commenting on the clashes between police and students before the signing ceremony, Fakhrul said such incidents “do not help democracy,” urging everyone to act responsibly in this sensitive time.

The BNP leader also voiced support for the demands of the Water Development Board Nationalist Workers and Employees Union and paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during the July movement.

“Many gave their lives during the July movement. I express my deep respect to them,” he said.

Fakhrul concluded by stressing that the upcoming election will determine whether Bangladesh moves towards liberal democracy or diverges from it, reminding everyone of the ideals of the 1971 Liberation War, which remain the foundation of the nation’s existence.