Staff Correspondent 

BNP senior leader Hafizuddin Ahmed said on Saturday that their party is waiting for the national election in February next as an opportunity to restore democracy and people’s right to vote.

“We hope that in February, the government will hold a fair and credible election, and the Election Commission will make proper arrangements so that the people can express their opinions. We are waiting and hoping for such a fair election,” he said.

Hafiz, a BNP standing committee member, made the remarks while addressing a football tournament event at Dhanmondi Sports Club ground.

BNP’s Dhaka North City unit arranged the event as part of the party’s month-long programme to mark the first anniversary of the July mass uprising.

Hafiz, also a valiant freedom fighter, said they fought the Liberation War in 1971 for democracy. “But even today, democracy has not been established in the country. There have been movements, and dictatorships have fallen several times, yet democracy is still far away.”

“We hope this government will not create any more king’s parties and will instead ensure an environment where people can safely exercise their right to vote,” he said.

Calling on journalists to present the truth, Hafiz said their party wants to see a beautiful Bangladesh for which the martyrs of last year’s mass uprising gave their lives. “The nation will forever remember and honour their sacrifice with pride.”

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He said they carry deep sorrow in their hearts regarding the political situation after last year’s mass uprising. “Our party struggled for 17 years, and most of those who were martyred during this time were supporters of the BNP.”

Hafiz also said many of their leaders and activists have endured enforced disappearances, been murdered, oppressed, imprisoned and falsely accused in numerous cases.

“After 16–17 years of continuous movement, we had brought the struggle to a decisive stage. At that moment, the students against discrimination played an important and commendable role, and we sincerely appreciate their contribution,” the BNP leader said.

He, however, said the sacrifices of BNP leaders and activists are beyond words. “The way they have been tortured, no political party in the world has ever faced such levels of repression. We remember with deep respect those who were martyred in this movement and pray for the peace of their souls.” Accusing the Awami League regime of destroying the sports sector through politicisation over the last 17 years, he called for keeping the sports arena free from politics.