We cannot let an unelected government continue running the country: Mirza Fakhrul

BNP’s General Secretary, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, has firmly stated that reforms in the country cannot be used as an excuse to allow an unelected government to rule for an extended period. 

Speaking at a discussion event on Saturday, December 28, at the National Press Club, Fakhrul expressed his concerns about the current political situation in Bangladesh.

The event, organized by a faction of the Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (Jagpa), was titled “Unite in the Spirit of the 24th December Student Movement to Resist Conspiracy.” 

During his speech, Fakhrul made it clear that reform is a continuous process and something that cannot be stopped. 

He said, "Reform is not a new concept. It’s an ongoing process that happens all the time, and it must continue. That‍‍`s why elections cannot be delayed. We can‍‍`t let an unelected government run the country day after day. This is why, when we say we need elections soon, people misunderstand it and think that BNP is rushing to seize power. We’ve been in power before, and if Allah wills, we will be in power again."

Mirza Fakhrul also looked back at the history of reforms in Bangladesh and praised the efforts of former President Ziaur Rahman. 

He said, "Ziaur Rahman was the one who started this reform process. The Awami League had imposed a one-party system under BAKSAL, but Ziaur Rahman brought multi-party democracy."

According to Fakhrul, once an elected government takes office, many of the country’s ongoing issues could be resolved more effectively because an elected government has the people‍‍`s support. 

He further explained, "This is why we repeatedly call for elections. The BNP is the party that wants reforms the most. But at the same time, we believe an unelected government should not remain in power for long."

In his speech, Fakhrul also addressed the rising prices of everyday goods, such as rice, lentils, oil, eggs, fish, and chicken, which have caused much hardship for the common people. 

"The ordinary people are suffering now, but the interim government is not paying attention to these issues. They are not working to bring the prices down. When we raise the issue, they reply by saying, ‘We can’t fix everything right away.’ But we want to know what actions they are actually taking. Instead of addressing these concerns, the advisors of the interim government are getting involved in political matters, making political comments, and speaking out against political parties. This shouldn’t be happening."

The event, which was chaired by Khondkar Lutfor Rahman, president of the Jagpa faction, also featured speeches from other notable political figures, including Mustafa Jamal Haider of the Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar), Kazi Abu Taher, chairman of the NPP, and Amanullah Aman, an advisor to the BNP chairperson.