Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that the party had always fought for democratic rights, voting rights and for a free society, adding that the electoral victory was a reflection of that long struggle.

Fakhrul was speaking to local journalists at his residence at Kalibari in Thakurgaon town on Friday morning before leaving for Dhaka.

Fakhrul commented on the rise of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, attributing the rise to what he described as 15 years of repression by the Bangladesh Awami League against opposition parties.

Responding to questions from journalists, the BNP leader said, ‘This was the outcome of 15 years of fascist rule. It is a matter of political science. Whenever democracy is suppressed and people’s voices are stifled, extremist forces tend to rise. That is exactly what has happened in this country.’

He remarked that the Jamaat’s electoral gains were a consequence of the Awami League’s repressive governance, including what he termed the obstruction of opposition political activities and elections.

Fakhrul stated that the people of Bangladesh had already rejected the Jamaat.

‘The BNP has secured an absolute majority. By dint of honest, fair and welfare-oriented politics, the people will once again be able to resist any negative tendencies,’ he said, describing the polls result as a ‘landslide victory’ and a mandate for the BNP’s state reform agendas and its 31-point programme.

On the formation of a national government, Fakhrul said that the BNP would remain committed to its pledges.

‘Those who stood with us in the joint movement against fascism and contested the election alongside us will be included in the government, Insha’Allah,’ he said.

Regarding the implementation of the July Charter, he noted that the sections signed by the BNP would be implemented on a priority basis, alongside the gradual execution of the party’s 31-point reform plan.

About the Jamaat securing more seats in Rangpur division, Fakhrul said that there were various reasons behind the outcome.

‘In greater Dinajpur, the Jamaat did not win a single seat. There are 11 constituencies across the three districts of greater Dinajpur, and the BNP won those seats,’ he said.

He added that through continued political engagement and organisational work, the BNP would be able to counter such tendencies.

Iterating his party’s position, Fakhrul said that the BNP had never lost public support.

‘The BNP has always practised people-oriented politics. That is our greatest strength. Whenever the people have accepted our message, we have achieved victory,’ he said.

On the government to be formed, he emphasised political understanding and unity as the basis for moving forward, adding that the party would ensure no disorder and would act responsibly towards those who were defeated in the election.

District BNP general secretary Poygam Ali and other party leaders and activists were present at the event