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Published : 02 Apr 2025, 08:53 PM
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that a targeted campaign is being run against the party over its demands for political reforms and elections.
Speaking to journalists at his residence in Thakurgaon’s Kalibari area on Wednesday afternoon, Fakhrul said: “A campaign is being carried out against the BNP, particularly on social media. The main claim is that BNP prioritises elections before reforms or that the BNP does not support reforms but only elections.
“I am stating clearly -- this is a deliberate attempt to create a false perception among the public. We have always been advocates of reforms.”
Fakhrul emphasised that the BNP’s 31-point reform agenda aligns closely with the government's own initiatives.
“If you compare our 31-point agenda with the government's reforms, you won’t find any major discrepancies. We have provided clear opinions on constitutional reforms and have no intention of interfering in settled matters.”
Addressing how much the BNP supports reforms, Fakhrul said: “Those involved in the reforms are highly educated individuals from prestigious universities. We respect and honour them.
“But if they undertake reforms without public participation, then, sorry to say, we cannot support them. We will only support what the people want.”
Fakhrul dismissed claims that reforms could take precedence over democracy, saying: “How many people in this country even understand ‘pluralism’ without democracy? Political parties, be it Jamaat-e-Islami, BNP, Awami League, Jatiya Party, or leftist groups, have a connection with the people. That is the essence of democracy.”
“Democracy thrives on differing opinions. If all political parties had the same stance, then democracy would cease to exist,” he said.
“Political parties must take their policies to the public, and through elections, the people will decide who governs,” he added.
Fakhrul acknowledged the need for some reforms but argued that certain key changes must be made before elections.
“Minimum reforms are essential for a free and fair election. These include changes to the Election Commission, the electoral system, and judicial oversight. These three areas are crucial.”
He noted that the interim government has established six reform commissions, among which these three hold the highest importance.
“We have called for these reforms, and they must happen,” he said.
“Any reforms that are practical and necessary will be implemented, while others can be addressed by the next government. This is exactly what Prof Yunus has been saying as well,” he added.
The BNP leader warned against authoritarianism within democracy, saying: “Around the world, right-wing forces are rising. Recently, during a meeting with the UN secretary-general, he himself acknowledged that democracy is under threat due to growing authoritarianism. Despite this, democracy remains the best system for governance.”
He dismissed fears of political parties turning into autocracies, saying: “We often fear political parties will become autocratic. If that happens, the people will remove them—just like they did with the Awami League. The real issue is not democracy itself but the misuse of power.”
Referring to Bangladesh’s political system, Fakhrul reiterated the BNP’s long-standing demand for a caretaker government.
“Given our political culture, the caretaker system is the best. Without it, autocratic and fascist regimes like the Awami League emerge. Under our rule, we did not see such authoritarianism.”
