BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has accused “foreign-educated elites” of trying to impose ideas like referendums and certificates on Bangladesh’s political system.

Speaking at a public gathering in Thakurgaon’s Jagannathpur union on Sunday afternoon, Mirza Fakhrul said, “A few parties are demanding a referendum before the election. But we say, if there is to be a referendum, it should take place on election day.”

He questioned the relevance of such proposals to ordinary citizens, saying, “Do you understand what a referendum or certificate means? These are ideas understood only by a few educated elites who come from abroad and impose them on us.”

The BNP leader added that while his party is open to necessary reforms, they must go through proper parliamentary debate and approval. “We agree to reforms that serve the people. What we don’t accept will go to parliament for discussion and decision,” he said.

Mirza Fakhrul claimed that Bangladesh’s current political crisis is “manufactured,” insisting that ordinary people “just want to vote.”

He said, “For 15 years, we haven’t had a fair election. We boycotted the 2014 polls, participated in 2018, but votes were taken the night before. This time, everyone wants to vote.”

Referring to the recent ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid mass protests, Fakhrul said, “By the grace of Almighty Allah, Sheikh Hasina fled the country in the face of a student–public uprising, leaving her party leaders and supporters abandoned. This shows she has no compassion for her people.”

He added, “We were born on this soil and will die here. We will never leave our country.”

Vowing to prioritize farmers if BNP returns to power, Fakhrul said, “Farmers are not getting fair prices for rice or potatoes. The current government doesn’t understand their suffering. When BNP is in power, we’ll ensure fair prices for their crops.”

He further alleged that the interim government lacks popular backing, saying, “They were not elected; we all collectively allowed them to govern. That’s why they fail to understand people’s hardship.”

Fakhrul, who appeared visibly emotional, also declared that the upcoming national election would be his last. “My health is not good. This will be my final election,” he said. “I have won and lost before, but I never left you. In this last election of my life, I ask for your support—vote for the sheaf of paddy so I can serve you once more.”

The district's BNP leaders including Mirza Faisal Amin and Paigam Ali were present at the event.