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Secretary general of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday urged all quarters to shun divisions and unrest in the name of movements, emphasising the need for strong unity to hold the national election in February next year in line with the people’s aspirations.

‘Please save the country. Do not create divisions any more. Do not push the nation into chaos by raising various demands… Please let the election be held. Let the people of Bangladesh live in peace and end the unrest,’ he said.

The BNP leader made the call while speaking at an exchange of views organised by the Garia union unit of BNP at the Gopalpur Government Primary School at Thakurgaon Sadar in the district.

He warned that some groups have taken to the streets with various demands, saying that their intentions did not seem good. ‘Stop these demands for now. Stop marches and rallies over the PR issue.’

Mentioning that he himself does not understand the PR system, Fakhrul said, ‘So, how will the country’s people understand it?

He urged some political parties to abandon demands such as whether there should be a referendum or PR, warning that otherwise the election could be delayed.

The BNP leader said that political parties should cooperate with the interim government and the Election Commission to arrange the election in February next year, instead of engaging in debate over PR and the referendum on the July charter.

‘The people of the country want an election. Let the vote take place first and then any demands can be discussed and decided in the parliament,’ he said.

After fascist Hasina fled the country on August 5, Fakhrul said that the nation had an opportunity to establish a new democratic system.

‘Now we want to build the country beautifully… Please end these unrests by holding the election. We do not want to create divisions between Hindus and Muslims or Buddhists and Christians. We do not want to encourage violent or vindictive politics. We want to live together in peace,’ the BNP leader said.

He also outlined the BNP’s plans for the country if elected, saying that their party knew how to run the government effectively, having been in power before.

‘We will provide jobs for one million people. Every family will get a family card, which will give them access to various services. We will improve healthcare, increase the budget for education, and give emphasis to the welfare of farmers,’ Fakhrul said.

About the election, he said that the candidate chosen by the people would be elected and urged the political leaders not to harm the country by indulging in divisive politics. ‘We want a democratic Bangladesh based on peace and brotherhood.’

He also spoke about the upcoming signing of the reform charter on 17 October. ‘What is reform? Reform is like changing the tin sheets or doors of a house every few years. Similarly, politics also needs reforms. Our political leaders and students feel that reform is needed to set the country right.’

The BNP leader said that issues on which political parties agree would be incorporated into the July charter, while a referendum would be held for the remaining matters.

He also said, ‘We will never forget the Liberation War. The country’s independence is our existence. We will also never forget August 5, when our children drove out the fascist Hasina with their blood. Working together is what the new Bangladesh is about.’

Fakhrul also called upon everyone to unite to build the country in line with the aspirations of those who sacrificed their lives in the July–August mass uprising.

‘Too much damage has already been done. We want to see a democratic Bangladesh with everyone united,’ mentioned the BNP leader.