BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday alleged that the Awami League government had stolen the people's right to vote last time and that the countrymen wouldn't allow it to happen this time.

Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said people now desperately want two things -- Khaleda Zia's release and Sheikh Hasina's resignation. "People have already said 'no' to this government. Let's wake up to reach that goal."

The road march that began at Bogura on Sunday morning ended at Rajshahi Central Eidgah ground at about 8:00pm. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir addressed the concluding session of the road march.

Addressing the Awami League led government, Mirza Fakhrul said, "The objective of the road march is to awake people. The very existence and independence of Bangladesh are now at stake. Awami League government has destroyed the democracy. We are facing a lot of questions -- Will the democracy come back to Bangladesh again? Will we be able to sustain as an independent nation? We are in deep troubles regarding these issues. The illegal Awami League government is now sitting on the chest of the nation. This government has turned the country into a failed state in a planned way. Awami League has abducted, made the victims of enforced disappearances, and put them in prisons by suing them in false cases. The government has kept the BNP Chaiperson Khaleda Zia house arrest denying her proper medical treatment at abroad. The government will have to ensure the treatment of Khaleda Zia as soon as possible. Otherwise, it will have to take all the responsibilities."

Praising the organisers of road march -- Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal and Swecchasebak Dal, Mirza Fakhrul said, "We fought for the independence of the country in 1971. Now, it is your responsibility to safeguard the country and its people."

The BNP Secretary General observed that that government has wanted to play a "managed game" with the upcoming general elections. But, we will not allow them to do that. Rajshahi district BNP convener Abu Sayeed Chand has been kept in prison for a long time in a false case. The government has kept many senior leaders including Shafiqul Islam Milon in prisons. They have been kept far away from the street by sentencing through lower courts. The government has been doing this just to cling to power. They have appointed DCs and SPs according to their choices. We have learnt about an OC of Charghat today. He said he was transferred there to work for State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam in the 12th general election. Such a scenario now exists all over the country."

The rally was also addressed by BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury.

Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said they took selfies desperately trying to draw the world leaders' attention. But, all their efforts will go in vein. They have nobody at home and abroad. They rely only on police. "We'll not oust this government from power only, we'll continue to stay on street until realising our demand of a caretaker government," he said.

Presided over by Jubo Dal president Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, the rally was also addressed by BNP Chairperson's adviser Mizanur Rahman Minu, former mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation Mosaddeq Hossain Bulbul, Swecchasebak Dal president SM Jilani, Chhatra Dal's acting president Rashed Iqbal Khan and vice-president Mahbubul Alam, among others.

The rally was moderated by Jubo Dal's acting general secretary Shafiqul Islam Milton, Swecchasebak Dal's general secretary Rajib Ahsan and Chhatra Dal's general secretary Saif Mahmud Jewel.