Fakhrul’s arrest an obstacle to holding peaceful polls, eminent personalities say

Sixty-eight prominent citizens have issued a joint statement demanding the release of arrested BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

BNP chairperson's media cell member Shamsuddin Didar informed the media about the statement on Friday.

The statement mentioned that the nation today looks forward to establishing a political society based on democracy, and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is committed to this issue herself. “There is a growing demand to achieve this objective through the national election within the next three months under the supervision of a neutral government.” 

The signatories said the peaceful, impartial and participatory election process has been jeopardized by the arrest of Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

They added that it appears to them that Fakhrul is a firm believer in peaceful political activities. 

“Mirza Fakhrul's role is important and well-known for the peaceful conduct of political rivalry. The release of Mirza Fakhrul can play an important role in avoiding conflict in politics and bringing back the practice of democratic norms.

“We hope that by releasing him immediately, the government will pave the way for a peaceful, fair and participatory election,” said the prominent figures.

Notable among the signatories are Badruddin Umar, Professor Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud, Professor Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Professor Anu Muhammad, Professor Dr Anwarullah Chowdhury, Professor Dr Mahbub Ullah, Professor Dr Ahmed Kamal, Professor Dr Saidur Rahman, Professor Dr ATM Nurul Amin, Professor Dr Sadrul Amin, Professor Dr Akmal Hossain, and Professor Dr Yusuf Haider, among others.