BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has commented that the allies of the autocratic government are like vultures, waiting to strike at any moment.

He said, "The accomplices of the autocratic regime are conspiring anew, waiting for an opportunity to attack. We must resist them and establish democracy."

Mirza Fakhrul was speaking on Saturday evening at a memorial event held at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, organized to remember victims of political oppression.

Family members of the deceased, injured, and missing persons from the July movement and other events shared their memories and emotions, with many breaking down in tears while speaking. Between speeches, songs were performed, and a silent play was staged to depict the July uprising.

Over the past 16 years under the Awami League government, family members of those who were victims of enforced disappearances and killings demanded justice. The BNP Secretary General strongly condemned the attack on BNP’s volunteer wing, Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal, by the Awami League in Gopalganj on Friday.

Due to adverse weather, the BNP has postponed its pre-scheduled rally in observance of International Democracy Day and rescheduled it for September 17 at Nayapaltan in Dhaka. Additionally, the party will organize a rally in divisional cities on Sunday to mark Democracy Day.

Speaking at the event, Mirza Fakhrul said that through struggle and sacrifice, the people had gained an interim government, and their expectations from this government were high. He emphasized the need for reforms in democratic institutions and the establishment of a democratic government through neutral elections.

He further demanded that the interim government compensate the families of those martyred in democratic movements over the past 16 years and provide state benefits to those who were injured or disabled. Fakhrul also called for the immediate withdrawal of around 145,000 cases filed against BNP leaders and activists and emphasized the need to find the 700 people who were victims of enforced disappearance.

He reminded the audience that Bangladesh's people have always sacrificed for democracy, referring to the destruction of democracy by the Awami League in 1975 when they established one-party rule through the BAKSAL system. He accused the Awami League of systematically destroying democratic institutions and repressing student and public movements through killings and enforced disappearances.

In a show of respect, Fakhrul saluted BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, saying she never compromised on democracy, even after being imprisoned for six years. He also praised Tarique Rahman, who, despite living in exile, continues to lead the struggle for democracy.

Family members of those killed or injured in government crackdowns shared their painful stories, with many breaking down in tears. BNP also organized cultural performances, including stage dramas, music, poetry readings, and recitations, during the memorial event.

Mirza Fakhrul thanked the BNP leaders and activists for remaining calm amidst provocations and acknowledged the contributions of other political parties and organizations involved in the anti-government movement.

Family members of the victims also shared harrowing stories, including the account of Ashabul Yamin, a student from the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) who was killed in police firing on July 18 in Savar.

Leaders from other political parties, including Andaleeve Rahman Partha (Bangladesh Nationalist Party), Saiful Haque (Revolutionary Workers Party), Zonayed Saki (Gonosonghoti Andolon), and Bobby Hajjaj (Nationalist Democratic Movement), also spoke at the event.