Mirza Fakhrul: Election is Not the Goal, Rebuilding Democratic Culture is the Main Challenge

DHAKA, November 19, 2025 – BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir says Bangladesh is in a “time of change.” In fact, he stressed that the nation’s main goal is to build a democratic culture, rather than simply holding an election.

Mr. Alamgir spoke at a Gulshan hotel on Wednesday afternoon. To elaborate, he was the main guest at a book launch. They titled the book “BNP in the 2024 Mass Uprising.”

The Real Goal

“We are in a time of change now,” the BNP leader said. “Things feel unsure. The election date is known, although the full plan is still missing. Still, the election is not the final goal.”

He said the nation must use the election to start a democratic culture again. Therefore, key state groups must be made stronger right away. Specifically, this includes making the judiciary, parliament, media, and government offices truly independent.

The Cost of Abuse

Next, Mirza Fakhrul spoke about the great harm done to his party. He claims the government filed 6 million fake legal cases against party members. In addition, he reported that about 20,000 leaders and members have died or were killed.

“The BNP is a party that supports liberal democracy,” he stated. “Indeed, I doubt any other such party has faced this kind of violence.” Because of this, the party is now starting new research projects to officially record these events.

Party Vision

Furthermore, Mr. Alamgir discussed political change, confirming the BNP has long asked for reforms. Ultimately, he explained, the party wants to build a ‘rainbow state.’ That is to say, a state that includes people of all religions and groups.

He ended by sharing a message from Khaleda Zia: “No revenge, no fighting back; instead, let us all work together to start democracy.”