BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has pledged that his party will create employment opportunities for one crore people if voted to power, saying the country must move towards unity after years of division.
Speaking at a gathering of local elites, women, and members of the Hindu community in Thakurgaon today, Fakhrul said each family would receive a “family card” to ensure women get priority access to various services.
“We do not get proper treatment at hospitals. We will improve the healthcare system,” he said, adding that the BNP would increase allocation for education and prioritise technical education at schools and colleges.
Fakhrul said the BNP envisions a bicameral parliament to strengthen democracy. “There will be two chambers — a lower house and an upper house. Members of the lower house will be elected directly by your votes,” he said.
“Representatives of the upper house will be selected based on the proportion of seats each party wins, while individuals from different sectors will also be nominated. In this way, no single party will have absolute control. We will be freed from fascism,” he added.
Referring to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, Fakhrul said, “After the autocratic and fascist Hasina fled on August 5, we have got an opportunity to establish a new democratic system. Now we want to rebuild the country beautifully.”
He said BNP wants to foster political tolerance and communal harmony. “Bangladesh is a land where Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians live together in peace. We no longer want the politics of hatred or division,” Fakhrul said.
He stressed that both the Liberation War and August 5 would remain significant in Bangladesh’s history.
“We will never forget the Liberation War… Similarly, we will not forget August 5, as it was the day our youths shed blood to drive out the autocratic ruler,” he said.
Calling for unity, he said, “Let us not divide the country anymore. We have already suffered a lot of damage. We want to see a democratic Bangladesh built with everyone’s participation — through love, harmony, and brotherhood.”
Fakhrul urged political parties not to push the country into fresh unrest. “Do not create further division by raising various demands now. The intention of those making such demands is not good — they want to halt the election,” he said.
“The people of this country want to cast their votes. Please stop these movements and allow the election to be completed. Let the people’s representatives come first; afterwards, we can debate and discuss other issues,” he added.
Thakurgaon district BNP General Secretary Paigam Ali, Sadar Upazila BNP President Abdul Hamid, General Secretary Mahbub Hossain, and Gareya BNP President Rezwan Shah Chowdhury were also present.
