A group of people become unhappy whenever the BNP raises the issue of the upcoming national election, party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told a rally in Panchagarh yesterday.

"We want to reclaim our voting rights. I want to cast my vote and give it to whoever I please. But when we talk about this, some people become dissatisfied and question why we keep bringing up the issue of voting," Fakhrul said this while addressing the gathering at Sakoa High School ground.

"Yes, we demand voting rights because if we can cast our votes, we will be able to elect the right people for ourselves. Those representatives will work for our welfare."

Fakhrul said the concept of reforms is not well understood by many in the country.

"The main point is that I should be able to cast my vote. Peace should prevail in the country. Prices of essentials must be affordable. There should be no violence or robbery."

Referring to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's Vision Bangladesh 2030 unveiled in 2016, and acting chairman Tarique Rahman's 31-point reform agenda announced in 2022, Fakhrul highlighted his party's commitment to reforms.

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"... Together, we will rebuild this country in a democratic way. We will ensure voting rights for all. Over the last 15 years, no one has been able to cast their votes."

Fakhrul urged the nation to stay united and avoid division. "We are all united. We are all Bangladeshis. We all want the country's progress."

Addressing government officials, police, army, and BGB personnel, the BNP secretary general called for collective efforts to reconstruct the nation.

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"Let's use this opportunity [the situation after August 5] and use it properly. Let us forget divisions and work together to rebuild and develop the country. Let's stay vigilant so that no one can exploit us."

About the Liberation War, the BNP leader said, "We must dream of a better future. It has been 53 years since our independence. Some may say to forget 1971, but we cannot. Our independent nation was born in 1971, and that's when I discovered my identity."

Fakhrul alleged that Sheikh Hasina is plotting against the country while staying abroad.

"Sheikh Hasina has fled and is conspiring against the country, spreading propaganda...But we, the people of Bangladesh, always live together peacefully -- Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians."

The BNP leader said the public never wanted Hasina to be in power, but she, telling lies to people, stayed in power through three elections.

"She thought she would never lose her power. Look, within a few months, Hasina had to flee the country with her family."

Regarding the condition of local Awami League leaders, he said that no one is to look after them because their leaders fled.