BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed deep sorrow over allegations that youth leaders, particularly those working as coordinators, are demanding extortion money. He made these remarks during the opening ceremony of a Graffiti Arts program by Jubo Dal, held at the National Museum premises in Shahbagh.
“সমন্বয়কদের চাঁদা দাবির খবরে আমি বেদনায় নীল হয়ে গিয়েছি। গণঅভ্যুত্থানের এক বছরেই এই অবস্থা! যে তরুণরা দেশ গঠন করবে তারাই এখন চাঁদাবাজি করছে। আমরা কি এমন পরিণতি চেয়েছিলাম?”
Translation: “I’m heartbroken by the news of coordinators demanding extortion. Just a year after the mass uprising—this is the situation! The same youth meant to build the nation are now involved in extortion. Is this the outcome we wanted?”
Concerns About the Future
Fakhrul warned that if such incidents continue so soon after a political uprising, the country’s future looks uncertain. He expressed concern that opportunistic fascist forces might take advantage of this situation.
“এত তাড়াতাড়ি যদি এসব ঘটে, তবে ভবিষ্যৎ কী? গোটা বাংলাদেশ তরুণদের দিকে তাকিয়ে আছে। হাসিনা পতনের পর এই তরুণদের দিকে তাকিয়ে আছে সবাই।”
Translation: “If these things are happening so quickly, what lies ahead? The whole of Bangladesh is looking at the youth, especially after the fall of Hasina.”
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Reforms and Support from BNP
Mirza Fakhrul mentioned that the BNP is fully supporting the reform process but sees no visible effort from the current government.
“সংস্কারের বিষয়ে সরকারের অগ্রগতি দেখা যাচ্ছে না। তবে যতই চাপ তৈরি করে বিএনপিকে বেকায়দায় ফেলার চেষ্টা করা হোক না কেন, দেশের মানুষ লড়াই করতে জানে।”
Translation: “There’s no visible progress from the government on reforms. But no matter how much pressure is created to trap BNP, the people of this country know how to fight.”
He emphasized that Tarique Rahman is actively working to rebuild Bangladesh and that the fight for freedom is not a new concept for the people of this country.
Justice Still Awaited
Fakhrul questioned why no action has been taken even after one year since Hasina’s departure from power, especially against those who were involved in murders and oppression.
“হাসিনার বিচারের তো কিছু দেখতে পেলাম না, এক বছর হয়ে গেল। যারা প্রকাশ্যে হত্যা করল, তাদের কেন গ্রেপ্তার করা হলো না?”
Translation: “We haven’t seen any justice for Hasina yet, even after a year. Why haven’t those who committed public murders been arrested?”
Remembering the July Uprising
He also reminded the nation of the heavy price paid by the party during the July Uprising of 2024. He claimed that:
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79 members of Jubo Dal were killed
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142 members of Chhatra Dal were killed
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Many others were abducted, tortured, and imprisoned
“২৪ সালের জুলাই মাসে আমাদের দলের নেতাকর্মীদের গুম, হত্যা ও গ্রেপ্তার করা হয়েছে। ডিবি অফিসে নিয়ে জুলুম ও নির্যাতন করা হয়েছে।”
Translation: “In July 2024, our activists were abducted, killed, and arrested. They were taken to the DB office and tortured.”
Call for Inclusive Nation-Building
Fakhrul urged that the process of building a new Bangladesh must include voices from all walks of life, not just the elite or the politically active.
“সত্যিকার অর্থে দেশকে পরিবর্তন ও নতুন বাংলাদেশ গড়তে চাইলে, রিকশাচালক, ভ্যানচালক, শ্রমিক, কৃষকদের মতামত নিতে হবে।”
Translation: “To truly rebuild and transform the country, we must consider the opinions of rickshaw pullers, van drivers, laborers, and farmers.”
Youth Must Lead the Way
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of the young generation, saying the country depends on them to create a prosperous future.
“তরুণ প্রজন্মের দিকে তাকিয়ে আছে পুরো দেশ, তাদের হাত ধরেই সোনার বাংলাদেশ গড়তে হবে।”
Translation: “The entire country is looking toward the youth; they are the ones who will build a golden Bangladesh.”
Source: Daily Ittefaq
