BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that a group of educated elites from abroad, particularly those returning from the United States, are trying to impose issues like referendums and charters on the people of Bangladesh.

Speaking as the chief guest at a views-exchange meeting held at Daulatpur Girls’ High School ground in Jagannathpur Union of Thakurgaon Sadar upazila on Sunday afternoon, Fakhrul said, “Some parties are saying a referendum must be held before the election. We are saying, let the referendum take place on the election day itself. Do you understand what referendum or charter means? These are understood only by educated upper-class people who have come from America and are imposing these on us.”

He said the BNP is open to reforms proposed through discussions. “Whatever we agree on will be implemented. The rest will go to Parliament, where there will be debate and decision,” he added.

Fakhrul claimed that the ongoing crises in the country were “artificially created dramas”, saying that ordinary people simply wanted the right to vote. “For 15 years, we have not had a real election. In 2014, we boycotted the polls. In 2018, votes were taken the night before. This time, everyone wants to vote,” he said.

Referring to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s reported departure following the recent mass uprising, Fakhrul said, “By the grace of Almighty Allah, Sheikh Hasina has fled the country amid the student–people’s movement, leaving her party leaders and supporters helpless. It shows she has no compassion for her workers or the people. We were born in this land and will die here—we will never abandon our country.”

He pledged that a future BNP government would ensure fair prices for farmers’ produce. “Farmers are not getting fair prices for paddy or potatoes. The interim government does not understand people’s suffering because it was not elected. We all gave it responsibility, but it is now disconnected from the people,” he said.

Mentioning his health condition, Fakhrul said that the upcoming election would likely be his last. “I am your man. I have grown old and do not know how long I will live. I have contested from this constituency, sometimes winning, sometimes losing, but I have never left you. This will be my last election—please help me, support me, and vote for the sheaf of paddy so that I can continue working for you.”

The meeting was attended by Thakurgaon district BNP president Mirza Faisal Amin, general secretary Paigam Ali, Sadar BNP president Abdul Hamid, general secretary Mahbub Hossain, and municipal BNP president Shariful Islam, along with other district, upazila, and union-level leaders.