DHAKA, July 8, (V7N) – BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today proposed the removal of the word “honourable” when addressing certain office bearers, such as the prime minister or parliamentary speaker, arguing that its use plants the “very seed of autocracy.”

He made this suggestion during the concluding ceremony of a debate competition, "Civil Discourse National: 2025," jointly organized by Bangladesh Dialogue and Dhaka College Debating Society, held at the Bangla Academy’s Abdul Karim Sahitya Bisharad Auditorium. Alamgir’s remarks came after the mock debate, which commenced the ceremony, utilized the term.

“Can’t we omit the word ‘honourable’ mentioned to address the prime minister or the speaker?” Alamgir questioned.

The veteran politician lamented that since its independence, Bangladesh has unfortunately never experienced the proper practice of democracy, attributing this to a “legacy of Pakistani politics.” He noted that while there was a “very brief period” of proper democratic practice, the nation subsequently “deviated from that course.”

Alamgir emphasized that true democracy is characterized by its ability to accommodate diverse opinions, debates, and disagreements. “I may not agree with someone, but I will give my life for his or her right to express their opinion. This is what we believe in. We believe in this liberal democracy (and) this is what true democracy is,” he stated. He reiterated, “We believe that I must have the freedom to speak, and you must also have the freedom to speak.”

Expressing optimism about the current generation, Alamgir conveyed his satisfaction with the activities of today’s youth, countering the pessimism of those who believe nothing good will come. “Our young people have now gone much ahead of us. I have become very optimistic; many things will definitely happen. We will stand tall in Bangladesh,” he asserted.

Among others present at the event were Israfil Khosru, a member of BNP's Foreign Affairs Committee, Barrister Roshna Imam, and Dhaka College Principal Professor AKM Elias.

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