Ruling without public trust is nothing but a countdown to collapse.
Photo: Agamir Somoy
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that it is not possible to stay in power without gaining the trust of the people. Public confidence must be earned, he said, adding that power cannot be sustained through threats, intimidation, or repression.
“If that were possible, Sheikh Hasina would have remained in power. But no dictatorship can survive against the power of the people,” he said.
He made these remarks on Wednesday afternoon while speaking as the chief guest at a public reception event held in Bhulli of Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila.
The reception was organized at Kumarpur High School field by locals to celebrate what they described as recognition of Bhulli Upazila’s formation, in line with electoral commitments.
Fakhrul said that in the past, under what he called a “fascist government,” opposition leaders and activists were unable to sleep peacefully and had to go into hiding, even taking shelter in rice fields. “Those difficult days are over. We are now breathing in freedom, but we have not forgotten those times,” he said.
He also alleged that banks were looted, large amounts of money were laundered abroad, political institutions were destroyed, and the election system was undermined. However, he added that in the recent election, people voted freely without manipulation, and the BNP has received the people’s trust, which they must now honor.
Addressing party activists, he said their responsibilities have increased significantly. “You must reflect the trust placed in you through your actions. You must win people’s love and stay by their side to fulfill their expectations,” he said.
He further said BNP aims to establish a “beautiful, fair, tolerant, and democratic political culture” in Bangladesh, where all political parties can operate freely, express opinions, and reach the people. He added that the goal is to build an effective parliament with participation from all parties and to transform Bangladesh into a truly democratic state.
The event was chaired by Thakurgaon District BNP President Mirza Faisal Amin. Among others present were General Secretary Poygam Ali, Baliadanga Union Chairman Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, and leaders of BNP and its affiliated organizations at district and upazila levels.
The gathering drew thousands of supporters and locals, creating a festive atmosphere. Locals described the recognition of Bhulli as an upazila as a historic achievement following a long movement. On the occasion, Fakhrul was felicitated with flowers and a reception memento by local residents.
