BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir spoke to reporters while inaugurating the Zia Memorial Football Tournament in Thakurgaon. Photo: Collected
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir emphasized on Sunday that holding free and fair elections is the only path to restoring democracy in Bangladesh.
"There is no alternative to democracy, and elections are crucial for institutionalizing it. Democracy can only be regained through elections," Fakhrul stated while inaugurating the Zia Memorial Football Tournament at Thakurgaon Government Boys High School ground.
The tournament, organized by BNP’s Thakurgaon district unit, features eight district teams from Rangpur division.
Highlighting the importance of democracy in fostering development across sectors—including sports, culture, and governance—Fakhrul accused the previous government of destroying institutions and sports culture during its 15-year rule.
"The previous illegitimate fascist government was like a stone on our chest. They devastated our institutions, sports fields, and cultural platforms, including football and cricket," he alleged.
He hailed last year’s student-led mass movement as a political earthquake that reshaped Bangladesh’s political landscape, stating, "The students have given us an opportunity to build a new Bangladesh, and we must take this chance to reshape the country."
BNP Central Sports Secretary and former national footballer Aminul Haque, along with BNP Rural and Cooperative Affairs Secretary Farhad Hossain Azad, Thakurgaon BNP General Secretary Mirza Faisal Amin, and ex-footballer Syed Rumman Bin Wali Sabbir, attended the event.
The opening ceremony featured a cultural performance by local artists, followed by a thrilling match where Dinajpur district BNP defeated Panchagarh district BNP 3(1)-2(1) in a penalty shootout. The tournament’s final match is set for February 27.
