BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said an opportunity has arisen for the nation, through immense sacrifices of blood, to build a new and democratic Bangladesh.

“The main goal of the 1971 Liberation War was to establish a truly democratic state. A state founded on the opinions of all is a democratic state,” he said while exchanging views with teachers and students of Thakurgaon St. Mother Teresa School.

The BNP leader said it is unfortunate that the nation has long been deprived of a democratic state, as Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic regime has destroyed democracy to cling to power by force, without the people's mandate.“We have got the opportunity once again. Our sons and daughters have given us the chance to create a new Bangladesh, where we can truly establish democracy by sacrificing the fresh blood of their hearts,” he said.The BNP leader observed that the entire world is now divided, with the growing incidents of violence, revenge, and conflict taking place across the globe. “The only way out of this is to foster love and affection among people and to build a new society where people can live anew.”Earlier in the day, Fakhrul attended the plaque unveiling ceremony of Sri Sri Shanidev Temple on the premises of the Kalibari Temple in Thakurgaon town, as the chief guest.

Addressing the programme, the BNP leader told members of the Hindu community that every individual born in Bangladesh is a proud citizen of the country. “You (members of the Hindu community) have equal rights like all other citizens. You should never consider yourselves inferior. Do not regard yourselves as outsiders.”

The BNP leader affirmed that members of the Hindu community have the right to support and participate in the politics of any party they choose. “This is your right. We believe in this. This is democracy. We are prepared to give our lives for it.”

“During the War of Independence, we fought together, and at that time, no one considered whether someone was Hindu or Muslim,” he observed.

Fakhrul also urged the members of the Hindu community to remain vigilant about the misuse of Facebook and other social media platforms. “Nowadays, Facebook and other platforms are being used to destabilise society,” he warned.