BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday called on all political parties to avoid creating divisions over minor issues, warning that such conflicts could undermine the country’s democratic progress.

“Political discussions and disputes are natural in a democracy, but we must not do anything that could disrupt democracy again,” Fakhrul said.

He made the remarks while speaking at a protest rally organized by Dhaka District unit of BNP at Darul Ihsan Madrasa ground in Ashulia’s Sreepur area.

The rally was held to commemorate the victims of the brutal Ashulia incident during the July Mass Uprising 2024, when the bodies of martyrs were reportedly burned near Ashulia Police Station.

Fakhrul appealed to all political parties to refrain from escalating tensions over trivial matters that might provide “fascist Hasina” with an opportunity to regain power.

“We urge all parties to resolve their differences quickly and work together to restore democracy,” he said. “Let us return to a democratic system and establish a government of the people through a neutral election.”

He expressed regret that if a people’s government had been in place, families of martyrs would not have had to complain about feeling abandoned.

Confident in the nation’s ability to unite under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, Fakhrul pledged that democracy would be restored, justice delivered to victims and the people’s lives improved.

Referring to the horrific incident in which the bodies of martyrs were burned in a van during the July uprising, just before the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime, Fakhrul said, “I am shocked. Such scenes are unimaginable. What kind of country are we living in? Only Mussolini used gas chambers during World War II. But Hasina has burned students alive in our country.”

He voiced deep shame after hearing the testimonies of the martyrs’ families.

“What kind of nation burns its own children alive? What kind of nation allows officials and employees to kill and burn their own people?” he questioned.

Fakhrul recalled a mother’s painful account of her son, who was still alive when he was burned.

He also criticised the government for failing to provide adequate compensation to families of those killed or injured during the uprising.

Strongly condemning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Fakhrul accused her of orchestrating brutal killings to cling to power.

“The people continue to demand Hasina’s trial. The entire nation wants her to be held accountable,” he said. “You know Hasina has fled to India and found shelter there. From there, through audio messages and videos, she is trying to stir unrest in Bangladesh. This has already caused tension in Gopalganj.”

Fakhrul urged citizens to stay vigilant to protect the country and prevent all conspiracies.

Several family members of the martyrs shared heartbreaking stories during the event, moving the crowd to tears.