Fakhrul calls for unity to prevent resurgence of fascist forces

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir warned on Thursday that there is a possibility for the return of fascism due to disruptive activities and disunity among those who had contributed to the success of the recent student-led mass uprising.

“Fascism has been defeated, but it can return any time. We must not pave that path [for its return]. Unfortunately, we are engaging in activities that have created a significant chance for its return,” the BNP leader said while speaking at a views exchange program at the National Press Club.

The National Poetry Council arranged the event titled "The Role of Writers and Artists in Restructuring the State."

The BNP leader said fascist forces are attempting to create an awful situation in Bangladesh in a calculated way. “But why are those of us who fought are now creating disunity? We become fearful when we hear conflicting statements from different places. Efforts are underway to push the country towards a different direction through various street agitations.”

Fakhrul called for the nation to unite around a single goal: to build a truly democratic state by re-establishing parliament after implementing necessary reforms.

“Overall, I would like to say that we all should not create division. We must move forward utilizing this opportunity [created through the uprising] keeping our unity intact. It is also our misfortune that, even after 53 years of independence, we have not been able to ensure a peaceful transfer of power," he said.

The BNP leader urged people from all walks of life, including writers, artists and intellectuals, to play a responsible role in inspiring the nation to achieve the desired goal.

Fakhrul said writers and artists have long played a vital role in reshaping the state. "But this was not evident during the movement against the fascist regime of Hasina.”

He also said building a democratic Bangladesh and fostering a democratic culture through necessary reforms is a challenging task. "We must accomplish this through the united efforts of people from all sectors of society."