Enemies of the nation trying to rise again: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that the “enemies of the nation” are once again trying to raise their heads at a time when the people of Bangladesh are facing “deep uncertainty and despair.”

Speaking at a discussion meeting at the BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan on Sunday, organised to mark the ‘Sipahi-Janata Revolution Day’ (7 Nov), Fakhrul said, “These anti-national elements are spreading chaos and false propaganda on social media.”

He added that in the current context, “the spirit of unity of the Sipahi-Janata Revolution is even more relevant to guide the nation.”

Fakhrul described 7 November as a “historic day in Bangladesh’s politics,” saying that in 1975, patriotic soldiers and the people freed former president Ziaur Rahman from captivity, foiling a conspiracy against the nation.

“That moment marked a new chapter of success for Bangladesh,” he said.

The BNP leader praised Ziaur Rahman as a “visionary statesman” who transformed Bangladesh from what was once described as a “bottomless basket” into an emerging economy.

He said Zia’s leadership “sparked Bangladesh’s rebirth as a rising tiger,” introducing multi-party democracy, ensuring freedom of the press, establishing the Supreme Judicial Council, and ushering in a new era of economic reform.

“Ziaur Rahman revolutionised agriculture through canal excavation and high-yield seed introduction, boosted exports by launching the garments industry, and initiated labour migration that today underpins Bangladesh’s remittance economy,” Fakhrul said.

He regretted that Ziaur Rahman was assassinated in Chattogram’s Circuit House but said his philosophy and ideals “remain alive.”

“His vision of Bangladeshi nationalism has never been defeated. The BNP, too, has risen time and again like a phoenix from the ashes,” he added.

Fakhrul said that Tarique Rahman, Zia’s son and acting chairman of the BNP, is continuing his father’s mission “from abroad,” working to unite the nation under the same democratic ideals.

Concluding his remarks, Fakhrul said, “7 November remains a day of immense significance in our political and national life. It reignited the nation’s spirit — and guided by the vision of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, we will continue our struggle to realise the dream of a democratic, independent, and sovereign Bangladesh.”