Certain groups misrepresenting BNP’s stance on reforms: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir accused certain groups of misrepresenting the party's stance on reforms on social media.

"There is a deliberate campaign that the BNP wants the election before reforms, or the BNP is against reforms. This is misleading the public. We have always advocated reforms," he said.

"Many are misunderstanding our stance. We never said the election should come first, and then reforms. We have always maintained that a minimum level of reform is necessary to ensure a free and fair election."

While responding to a question during a meeting with local journalists at his residence in the Kalibari area of Thakurgaon town yesterday, Fakhrul emphasised three key areas for reforms: the electoral system, law enforcement, and the judiciary.

"The current demand for reforms was originally put forward by the BNP," he claimed. "The proposals submitted by the reform commissions are not different from the BNP's 31-point outline.

"We have clearly stated our stance on constitutional reforms. There are certain issues that have already been settled, and we do not wish to interfere with them."

The BNP leader also dismissed Indian media reports about minority persecution in Bangladesh, calling them outright falsehoods.

"You all know well that initially, some injustices against minority communities were reported in Thakurgaon. But what has happened in the last few months? Yet, if you look at the Indian media's narrative, you'll see that they portray severe injustices against the minorities in Bangladesh," he said.

On law and order, Fakhrul said that the situation across the country remains largely the same.

"A new government came to power after a mass uprising. Under the previous government, the police administration was completely subservient to the Awami League. They did whatever the ruling party instructed, and as a result, the confidence of the police declined. In many places, they are unable to take necessary actions accordingly," he said.

Regarding actions against party members accused of various crimes, Fakhrul asserted that the BNP does not condone such activities.

"Some party members have engaged in wrongdoing, and we have already taken action against them. In some cases, we have dissolved committees and expelled the leaders involved in such incidents," he said.

Fakhrul dismissed concerns about the possibility of a conflict between political parties regarding trials of people from the previous regime, reforms, and the election.

"There is no fear of conflict due to differing opinions. The beauty of democracy is the diversity of thought. Where will democracy be if all political parties share the same views? Different parties will have different opinions, and the people will decide which is the best for them," he said.

Fakhrul pointed out the global rise of right-wing movements and their impact on democracy.

"Even the UN secretary-general, during his visit to Bangladesh, stated that democracy is facing a crisis. Right-wing and authoritarian forces are on the rise worldwide, and democracy is in decline. But despite these challenges, democracy remains the best system for governance and good administration," he added.

Addressing concerns over the return of authoritarian rule, Fakhrul said, "If that happens, it will create a situation similar to what the Awami League experienced. When a party becomes autocratic, the people ultimately overthrow it. So, it is not democracy that is at fault."

He reiterated BNP's stance on the caretaker government system, saying that it is the best mechanism to conduct elections considering Bangladesh's reality and political culture. "Without this system, authoritarianism and fascism -- similar to that under the Awami League -- will prevail."