BNP Secretary General and LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said people are now more aware and politically conscious than before and will no longer tolerate corruption, repression or failures by those in authority.
“People now understand everything and are aware of everything. If we make mistakes today, the people will not forgive us,” he said while addressing engineers at a function in Dhaka.
He made the remarks at the closing ceremony of the 78th founding anniversary celebrations of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) and a reception for engineer-members of the 13th Parliament at the IEB auditorium in Ramna.
Referring to the aftermath of the July mass uprising, Fakhrul said a new consciousness had emerged among the people, who now aspire to build a democratic and free Bangladesh.
“They no longer want to see the old Bangladesh marked by corruption, enforced disappearances and repression,” he said.
Alleging large-scale irregularities in development projects during the previous government’s tenure, he said newspapers frequently carried reports of projects worth billions of taka where little or no work had actually been done.
“These matters must be handled with utmost caution,” he said.
Fakhrul said engineers, as one of the country’s most educated and privileged professional groups, carry a greater responsibility toward the people.
“The plans you formulate and the projects you implement must genuinely benefit the people,” he added.
Recalling the July movement and the families of victims of enforced disappearance, he said there was a time when even speaking about disappearances was dangerous, yet some courageous people stood beside affected families and raised the issue internationally.
“The nation will never forget their courage and sacrifices,” he said.
He also paid tribute to the youths killed during the movement.
“Our young people shed blood and gave their lives. They created a new opportunity for Bangladesh. We must never betray that sacrifice,” he added.
Earlier at the event, the IEB honored engineer-members of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad and felicitated Independence Award 2026 recipient Dr Engineer Mohammad Abdul Baki for his contributions to research and training.
Those honored included Engineer Md Ashraf Uddin (Bakul), MP for Narsingdi-5; Engineer Moinul Islam Khan, MP for Manikganj-2; and reserved-seat MPs Engineer Sanzida Islam (Tuli), Engineer Mahbuba Hakim Camelia and Engineer Mardia Momtaz.
In his remarks, Fakhrul described the IEB as one of Bangladesh’s most prestigious professional institutions and said engineers had historically played important roles in democratic movements and national development. He stressed the need for integrity, professionalism and accountability in future development planning.
IEB President and RAJUK Chairman Engineer Mohammad Riazul Islam presided over the program,. Among others present were IEB Honorary General Secretary Prof Dr Engineer Md Sabbir Mostafa Khan and several senior office-bearers of the institution.
