Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday reiterated his party’s stance against corruption, saying that there would be ‘no compromise’ with looters and extortionists.
‘We will never accept those who loot banks, extort money, illegally grab people’s property and we will not allow them to return to the political forefront,’ Fakhrul said while addressing a rally organised by the BNP Dhaka North City in the capital’s Uttara.
Fakhrul also thanked the interim government for its efforts at negotiating a reduction in US tariffs on Bangladeshi goods.
He said, ‘Today, there’s good news. A few days ago, America imposed a 35 per cent tariff on us. Today, through discussions . . ., this has been reduced to 20 per cent. For this, I thank the interim government.’
Emphasising the need for restoring democracy, he said, ‘We want a democracy where people can speak freely and elect their own representatives. We no longer want a system of dummy votes, rigged elections, and the politics of looting banks and manipulating businesses.’
Referring to the announcement made by the chief adviser of the interim government regarding the upcoming election in February, Fakhrul said, ‘We want this election. The people want this election. We need a parliament where citizens’ voices can be heard.’
‘Right now, I have nowhere to go. If I face any problem, who do I turn to? There’s no lawmaker to raise my issue in the parliament. That’s why we urgently need an elected parliament,’ he said.
Noting that there are flaws and inexperience with the interim government, Fakhrul said, ‘We had hoped that within a year, they would at least compile an accurate list of those martyred and begin their rehabilitation. Unfortunately, they haven’t fully succeeded — but they are trying.’
He said that the meeting of the consensus commission had concluded yesterday, and a comprehensive report is expected within days.
Fakhrul said, ‘We have suddenly been freed from the grip of a terrifying fascist regime. That freedom will only be complete once we politically eliminate their influence and measures are taken to prevent fascism from coming back ever again.’
He said, ‘People have the same trust in Khaleda Zia as in Tarique Rahman today. We are waiting for Tarique Rahman to come to the country. When will he lead?’
‘We pray to Allah that Tarique Rahman comes to the country very soon, unites us all and leads, that is our wish,’ he said.
