The BNP also desires reforms, stated BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. He expressed regret that some individuals within the government are attempting to portray this differently. Furthermore, he noted that a new list of reforms is being generated daily, which is complicating the situation.
He made these remarks on Thursday evening (May 8th) at a discussion meeting held at the Supreme Court auditorium to commemorate the first death anniversary of former Attorney General and BNP Vice Chairman A.J. Mohammad Ali.
"Everything is becoming complicated," commented Mirza Fakhrul. "The BNP's struggle was to restore democracy, but we have yet to achieve that. A new list of reforms is being created every day, which is complicating the situation."
"It is being said that elections will only occur after reforms are implemented," he said, clarifying the BNP's stance on reform. "Many are speaking about reforms in a way that suggests the BNP is against them. However, the BNP advocated for reforms long ago."
"They have created a perception that the BNP only wants elections and not reforms, that the BNP only wants power! Yes, the BNP wants power; the BNP engages in politics for power. Our party constitution states that we aim to govern the country through elections and the people's mandate. The BNP wants elections because it wants a representative parliament and government that will address the people's problems," added Mirza Fakhrul.
The BNP Secretary General stated, "Reform is an ongoing process. It may take five or ten years. So, will there be no elections for ten years? Will the country be run for ten years by the bureaucratic allies of fascism sitting in the administration? Ninety percent of the secretariat are allies of fascism. That's who is running the country now. Will an indefinite, uncertain interim government be beneficial for the people?"
Fakhrul questioned, "Is an indefinite, uncertain government beneficial for the people? Is the economy changing? Has investment changed? Many garment factories will close. Many have said they will not invest without an elected government."
"They have not made special arrangements for those who could not do business in 15 years," he said. "There is no discipline in the banks. There is no change in healthcare. We need to talk about building a new Bangladesh. To do that, we must ensure that no mistakes are made. We must remember that false cases have been filed against 6 million people, 20,000 people have been shot and killed, and people have been disappeared. Now, it seems as if the BNP has done nothing. Our Chairperson has returned. Seeing her has brought a ray of hope."
"Do not do anything that will go against the nation," he added. "Many things are being done that the nation does not know about. No one has been consulted. You will provide a passage, you have to talk to someone. If needed, we will stand in front as a barrier. If you think you can impose decisions by gathering some scholars, that will never be possible."
