BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said their party will continue to support the interim government, led by Prof Muhammad Yunus, as long as it remains committed to democracy.

“We have to support this government. It is the outcome of a mass upsurge and movement. We will back this government as long as it remains in favour of democracy and democratic transfer of power,” he said.

The BNP observed a two-day sit-in programme across the country on Wednesday and Thursday, demanding the trial of deposed ruler Sheikh Hasina and her aides for carrying out genocide during the recent student-led mass movement that toppled her 16-year regime.

Fakhrul expressed the expectation that the interim government would hold an election after providing relief to the people. “We will also allow a reasonable amount of time, as we want power to be transferred to an elected government through a democratic election,” he said.

He said the sacrifices made by the BNP over the past 16 years for democracy are rare in history, noting that many party members have been killed, repressed, or forcibly disappeared.

Mirza Fakhrul also thanked the students for their role in creating a mass upsurge that led to the removal of the autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina.

He said that nearly 1,000 students and people were shot and killed across the country by the Awami League government. “But Allah is also harsh in ensuring justice as she (Sheikh Hasina) has to finally flee the country,” he said.

Fakhrul urged Awami League leaders and activists to avoid committing excesses. “Otherwise, they won’t be able to sustain themselves,” he said, suggesting that they should surrender willingly for their misdeeds.

He demanded that the trial of Awami League leaders be conducted at the International Crimes Tribunal for their involvement in massacres and crimes against humanity.

The BNP leader also warned his party’s leaders and activists against engaging in any wrongdoing that could reflect negatively on the party.

However, he urged them to stay united in defending the second independence and thwart any conspiracies by the Awami League.

Bd pratidin English/Lutful Hoque