BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has described the country’s current political landscape as a “transitional phase.” He said that although elections are approaching, the polls themselves are not the final destination. The real challenge, he noted, is restoring democracy and rebuilding a democratic culture.

Speaking at an event in a Gulshan hotel on Wednesday afternoon, Mirza Fakhrul made these remarks during the launch of a book titled BNP in the Uprising of ’24 and a related documentary screening. The programme was organised by the BNP and the Nationalist Research Centre. As the chief guest, he highlighted the events surrounding the mass movement of July–August 2024, which was also the focus of the documentary shown at the event.

“We are going through a transitional period,” he said. “There is a sense of uncertainty. An election timeframe has been announced, though the schedule is yet to come. But elections are not the end of the journey. Through the election, we must return to democratic governance and foster a democratic culture — that’s what we lack most.”

Mirza Fakhrul stressed that a sustainable state requires an independent and empowered judiciary, parliament, media, and administration.

Referring to alleged repression over the past 16 years, he said BNP leaders and activists had faced enforced disappearances, killings, and fabricated cases. According to him, BNP is a liberal democratic party, and he is unsure whether any other liberal party in the world has endured similar persecution. He claimed that six million people were implicated in false cases and around 20,000 activists were killed. These incidents, he said, must be recorded, researched, and preserved as part of history. He added that new initiatives are underway to document these experiences.

Addressing recent debates over “reform,” he argued that BNP had long been advocating reforms, even before the current discussions emerged. Presenting reform as a personal achievement, he said, would be narrow-minded.

He reiterated that BNP is not a revolutionary party, but a liberal democratic force striving to build a “rainbow state” inclusive of all communities. “Our position is crystal clear — we are liberal democrats,” he said.

The BNP secretary general also commented on the recent verdict concerning Sheikh Hasina, saying that while a ruling is being delivered on crimes against humanity, mob violence is occurring elsewhere. He suggested that certain groups might be attempting to divert international attention and downplay the significance of the verdict. These actions, he warned, should be observed carefully to see whether any quarter is intentionally creating divisions.

He argued that the long-standing political crisis stems from the lack of genuine democratic practice. “Democracy means that I may disagree with you, but I will still defend your right to express your opinion,” he said. Unfortunately, he added, many in the country are unwilling to tolerate the views of others.

Mirza Fakhrul recalled BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s stance in favour of democracy, quoting her message: “Not revenge, not retaliation — let us work together to restore democracy.” He also said that Tarique Rahman, from abroad, has been playing a role in mobilising public support for democratic causes.

The event was chaired by BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan. Other speakers included Selima Rahman, Saiful Haque of the Revolutionary Workers Party, academic BM Nagib Hossain of the Zia Parishad, BNP publicity secretary Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Jubo Dal president Abdul Monayem Munna, NPP chairman Fariduzzaman Farhad, and Babul Talukdar, editor of the book BNP in the Uprising of ’24. Several party leaders, including Mahadi Amin, adviser to Tarique Rahman, were also present.