“If we act like AL, we’ll face the same fate”: Fakhrul warns BNP men

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday cautioned his party members against adopting the tactics of the Awami League, warning that such behavior could lead to similar consequences.

“If we start acting like the Awami League, can we survive? We will face the same fate,” Fakhrul said while addressing a public rally organized by the Haripur upazila BNP unit at the Upazila Eidgah field in Thakurgaon.

He urged BNP leaders and activists to win public trust by becoming beloved figures to the people. "Don’t engage in injustice, torture, or repression against anyone," he advised.

Fakhrul accused the Awami League of creating secret prisons, referred to as "Ayna Ghar," to torture BNP, Jamaat leaders and activists. "This monstrous, fascist Hasina government has killed 2,000 people," he claimed.

He went on to say that the Awami League regime had oppressed BNP members for 16 years, filing false cases against countless individuals in the region. “That era has ended. Hasina, once a powerful leader, has now been defeated and forced to flee the country,” he added.

Addressing BNP supporters, Fakhrul urged them not to squander the opportunity for positive change. “Don’t let the victory we have achieved be destroyed. Let’s heal the country and bring it back to health,” he said.

"Come to My Residence," Fakhrul Invites Obaidul Quader

Fakhrul also addressed Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, who previously mocked the BNP leader by suggesting he would seek refuge in Fakhrul's ancestral home in Thakurgaon.

“Quader used to say they wouldn’t flee the country, and that if necessary, he would take shelter in my house. Now, I invite him to come. The people of the country don’t know where you’ve gone,” Fakhrul said.

Fakhrul further alleged that Quader may have fled to India, adding, “You were a leader in this country, but you had to flee because you worked against the interests of this country and its people.”

Protect Hindu Community

The BNP Secretary General also called on party members to protect the Hindu community, describing it as their "sacred duty."

“A significant portion of our population is from the Hindu community. They are our “amanat”. It is our responsibility to protect them,” Fakhrul said.

The rally was presided over by Haripur Upazila BNP President Jamal Uddin.