BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has issued a call to all political parties to participate in the upcoming national elections, scheduled for by February 2026, as essential for upholding the democratic process and ensuring political stability.
Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion marking the founding anniversary of the Daily Naya Diganta newspaper, Fakhrul emphasized that the parties who signed the July National Charter are working to create an environment for a credible and participatory election. He asserted that the country’s progress within a democratic framework is only possible through such a poll.
The senior BNP leader recounted the tenure of the previous government, alleging that "more than 60 lakh BNP activists" faced false cases, over 20,000 were killed, and many went missing, citing "terrible oppression" against pro-democracy forces and a crackdown on media freedom.
He credited Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman with restoring press freedom and multiparty democracy. Fakhrul praised the journalists of Naya Diganta for their resilience and commitment to truth despite enduring persecution.
He concluded his speech by conveying greetings from BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to the newspaper's family.
