Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir spoke at the Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka today. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Oct 25, 2025 (BSS) - BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today called on all political parties to participate in the upcoming national elections to uphold the democratic process and political stability. 

"The election is scheduled to be held by February 2026. Through the unity of the parties that signed the July National Charter, we want to create an environment for a credible and participatory election. I call upon every political party to join the polls for the restoration of democracy," he said.

Fakhrul made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest in a discussion held at Shilpakala Academy marking the founding anniversary of the Bangla Daily Naya Diganta.

The senior BNP leader also said that the country's progress within a democratic framework is only possible through a credible election.

Mentioning the tenure of the fascist Awami League government, he said, "During the tenure of the past fascist government, false cases were filed against 60 lakh BNP activists, more than 20,000 were killed and many went missing. Terrible oppression was unleashed on pro-democracy forces during that time."

"The crackdown on the media began right after the formation of BAKSAL. Journalists were stripped of their freedom. Later, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman restored press freedom and reintroduced multiparty democracy," he said.

Praising the Naya Diganta for its resilience, Fakhrul said, "The journalists of this newspaper endured persecution during the previous autocratic regime but remained committed to truth and public consciousness. The BNP expresses deep appreciation for their courage and professionalism."

Concluding his speech, the BNP Secretary General conveyed greetings from BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, as well as from Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, to the Naya Diganta family.