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Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday urged all to vow to permanently bar ousted prime minister Sheikh Haisna from the country’s political arena.

‘From this rally, let us vow that we will never allow autocrat Hasina to return to Bangladesh’s political arena. We will not bow down to anyone. We will build a self-reliant nation, as envisioned by BNP acting chairperson Tarique Rahman,’ he said.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the remarks while speaking as the special guest at a rally organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, the BNP’s student wing, at Shahbagh in Dhaka marking one year of July Uprising.

He called for a united movement under the leadership of the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman to restore democracy in the country.

‘A new sun has risen, one that has begun to light up a new horizon and inspire new dreams. We now have a renewed opportunity to rebuild Bangladesh,’ he said.

He noted the sacrifices made by the JCD activists across the country, saying, ‘Students have shed blood, endured torture, and repeatedly faced imprisonment.’

‘Today is both a day of pride and pain. Around this time last year, we lost many of our comrades,’ he added.

Fakhrul warned of continued threats from ‘fascist Hasina,’ alleging that she has sought refuge in neighboring India and is issuing threats of aggression against Bangladesh. ‘They are also trying to destabilize the country from there,’ he added.

He mentioned that a dialogue had been held between chief adviser Mohammed Yunus and BNP’s top leader Tarique Rahman regarding holding national elections in February next.

‘The country is waiting to welcome Tarique Rahman’s return. We want nothing more than to see him lead the dream of a ‘prosperous Bangladesh’ envisioned by president Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia,’ Fakhrul said.

The JCD president Rakibul Islam Rakib presided over the rally and general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir conducted it.

Speaking at the programme, the JCD president Rakibul Islam Rakib said, ‘The leaders and activities of JCD did much struggle during the movement. Our leaders and activities were at the frontline during the movement. We do not demand any credit for that but we will not allow anyone distort the history. We will resist them with our full force.’

‘Again, if anyone dares to rehabilitate Chhatra League, Chhatra Dal will uproot that poison,’ the 

JCD leader said.

He also noted that JCD will take part in university union elections when the justice of the July victims will be ensured through bringing the attackers to book.

‘We all will take part in student union elections, including those of DUCSU and JUCSU. However, prior to any electoral participation, university administrations must ensure transparency by releasing the full list of those accused in the July attacks,’ he said.

The BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman joined the rally virtually as the chief guest. Former JCD leaders and senior BNP figures also addressed the gathering.