BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated on Tuesday that, if elected to power, the party will prosecute the 'fallen fascists'.
“BNP has been the major victim of fascism. The oppression, torture, and enforced disappearances we have faced, who else has faced it?.. We and Jamaat-e-Islami have been the most affected (by fascism)," he said.
The BNP leader made the remarks while responding to a question at a press conference at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office.
He said the torture by the Awami fascist regime was the most severe on BNP and its leaders and activists.
"So, who else will try the fascists if not us if we come to power? The process of prosecution has started, there is no way for anyone to back off from it. The trial (of the fascists) will surely be held," Fakhrul said.
The BNP leader said a political government used to hold the trial of such matters.
He, however, said there should not be any hasty trial so that no question can be raised about it. “Prosecution is a process, and it will continue... We will certainly complete that process and there is no doubt about it."
Fakhrul said there could be some differences of opinion among the political parties over the next election, as each political party has its distinct characteristics and thoughts.
He said BNP is advocating for an immediate election from its perspective, while Jamaat-e-Islami is also offering its opinion on the matter from its own viewpoint.
The BNP leader said they have already spoken to the parties that participated in the simultaneous movement with them, and all of them advocated for a quick national election.
“There is no disagreement among us on this matter. All the like-minded parties, including both left-wing and right-wing ones, have already talked about the prompt election,” he said.
Fakhrul said the communist party of Bangladesh has also sought an immediate election.
Even, he said Jamaat-e-Islami does not seem to have a significant difference with BNP regarding the election. “Just a few days ago, he (Jamaat chief) said national elections are necessary and parliamentary polls should be held first. So, I don’t see any major difference.”
Regarding the declaration of the July revolution, Fakhrul said they received a draft declaration from the interim government adviser Mahfuz Alam, and he requested BNP to give its opinions on the matter.
“The matter is so sensitive and important that it cannot be done on a day’s notice. We have discussed this, we are discussing more… We also need to discuss it with other parties,” he said.
Besides, the BNP leader said they also need to talk to constitutional experts as there are many things in the declaration related to the constitution. “So, we need that time. We’re discussing it.”
