Elections can solve half of Bangladesh's problems, regardless of whether BNP comes to power, says Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday voiced frustration over Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus’s address to the nation a day before as he had not unveiled an outline for elections.
Speaking at a discussion, he also warned BNP leaders and workers not to create distance from the students who had made the movement against the Awami League regime a success.
The BNP arranged the program at the National Press Club, marking the 48th death anniversary of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani.
The BNP leader said many are happy with Yunus’s address to the nation, marking the interim government's completion of 100 days in office.
“But I am a bit disappointed. I was hoping that the chief adviser, with all his wisdom, would identify the problems and give an outline for the election,” he said.
Fakhrul emphasized that elections can solve half of the country's problems, regardless of whether the BNP comes to power.
Besides, he said, those who want to harm and destabilize Bangladesh and lead the country into conflict will be forced to back down if an elected government is formed with the mandate of the people.
“We do not just want reforms, we have initiated them and we will do them. We request you to move forward with a people-accepted approach. We have not created any obstacles so far; rather, we are supporting you in every case,” the BNP leader said.
He questioned how the government will carry out reforms while associates of the previous autocratic regime stay in their positions at the Secretariat.
The BNP leader alleged that most of the bureaucrats currently working at the Secretariat are aligned with the autocratic rule of Sheikh Hasina.
He said the government has yet to take any tangible action against those bureaucrats who have amassed vast wealth through corruption. “Your actions must be visible to the public.”
Fakhrul said that the government should prioritize good governance and manage the administration effectively so that people can experience relief and peace.
“The prices of commodities have risen to such an extent that there is no reason for peace. Despite this, people are enduring it, hoping that something better will be offered to them,” he said.
The BNP leader also urged the government to make its efforts in controlling the market more visible. “Take steps to dismantle the syndicates… establish proper governance. If people are still forced to pay bribes and see the collaborators roaming freely, they will not tolerate it,” he said.
“I believe this government and the youth will be able to build a new Bangladesh,” Fakhrul said.
He said it is a fact that the students finally played the major role in ousting Hasina’s regime, though the BNP had struggled for 17 years. “So we should not create any distance with the students. We should think about it. Students are saying many things, and they have that right.”
He said the BNP wants reforms to be done within a reasonable time; otherwise, people will get the impression that the government has intentions to stay in power for a long period. “From our experience, we are saying to hold the election for the welfare of the nation. The longer this kind of government remains in power, the more problems it will create, as it lacks a public mandate. This is not an elected government,” he said.
Fakhrul recalled that after the political changeover in 2007, the Fakhruddin-Moyeenuddin government attempted to cling to power by forming a so-called 'King's party'. "People didn’t accept it, and eventually, they were forced to flee by holding an election.”
He said Sheikh Hasina had to leave the country due to her various mistakes and her failure to understand people's sentiment. “No one should take any such actions that could lead our country into uncertainty and instability,” he cautioned.
Fakhrul said elections should be arranged after the completion of the necessary reforms.
He recalled Maulana Bhashani’s contributions to the nation as a patriotic politician. “His presence is felt in our entire existence.”
Born in an ordinary family, Bhashani was an exceptional and legendary national leader, Fakhrul said.
Earlier, on Sunday, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus said the government will issue a roadmap for elections once decisions on electoral reforms are made.