BNP today expressed satisfaction with the fact-finding report by the Office of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on the July-August uprising, saying that it has proved that Sheikh Hasina is a fascist.

The party hopes that the Indian government will soon send Hasina back to Bangladesh to face trial, he said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the remarks during a press briefing at BNP chairperson's Gulshan office this morning.

Earlier in the day, he held a meeting with British Deputy High Commissioner James Goldman.

"We are satisfied with the published report. The truth has been revealed. When the UN says something, people believe it. When political parties like us say the same thing, many are reluctant to believe it. I thank the UN investigation team and commend the report," Fakhrul said.

He added, "The report rightly said that all the killings and massacres were carried out under the directives of fascist Hasina. It has been proven that she is a fascist. She has committed oppression, torture, and genocide in this country."

The BNP leader further said, "We want the Indian government to return her (Hasina) to the Bangladeshi government. We expect that she and her accomplices will be brought to face trail."

Responding to OHCHR's recommendation against banning political parties, Fakhrul said, "We have already shared our opinion on this matter. The people will decide which political parties should exist or contest elections. We are a liberal democratic party. We believe in democracy and its norms -- we have been practicing these principles."

Fakhrul also talked about the issue of enforced disappearances and the "torture cells". He said, "It is a fact that the people of Bangladesh have been subjected to enforced disappearances and killings."

"When the report on the torture cells was published, the Awami League government completely denied it. Today, it has been proven that what we have been saying about the torture cells for a long time ago is true."

Fakhrul accused the Awami League government of deliberately violating human rights, destroying democracy, and suppressing opposition to cling to power.

Regarding Jamaat-e-Islami's proposal for proportional representation in elections, the BNP leader said, "We are against this. We will not support proportional representation in any way because people of the country are not accustomed to it."

He also opposed holding local polls before national elections, calling it a plan to push the country into further instability.

"The sooner elections are held the easier politics will become. The people of the country will return to a stable situation," he said.

He emphasised that elections are crucial for two reasons: "First, to restore stability in Bangladesh, and second, to establish governance in the country, which is currently facing significant challenges."

Fakhrul also expressed concerns over the state of education in universities and colleges, saying, "It is very difficult to address these issues without an elected government."