BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has accused a group of "reckless instigators" of attempting to destroy press freedom in the country, calling it something no patriotic or conscientious citizen should accept. He urged those involved to refrain from such self-destructive actions and to support efforts to institutionalize democracy.
Speaking at a program in the capital, Fakhrul lamented the troubling rise in assaults on the press and freedom of expression, values for which the nation has always fought. He pointed out that it was Khaleda Zia who "first freed the press in 2001" and that press freedom was most respected during her tenure under the BNP government. "This is the reality," he said.
Fakhrul also called for patience, noting that the current government is an interim one and cannot resolve all issues immediately. "We are not against reforms, but challenges like these cannot be addressed without elections," he emphasized.
Expressing concern over the current state of the country, Fakhrul cautioned that the country’s enemies, who have retreated from the forefront, are now trying to destabilize it from behind. "We must remain vigilant," he urged, calling for patience from the people.
The BNP leader stressed the importance of tolerance, saying, "It is unfortunate that the people of our country lack tolerance. We must exercise patience." He added, "Today, we need to support this government. If it fails, the revolution will fail, and we will once again be plunged into darkness. Therefore, it is essential for everyone to approach these issues with a positive mindset."