Dhaka, Jan 03 (V7N) —“The biggest problem in Bangladesh is that we speak about democracy but do not practise it. There have been successive attempts to kill democracy. As a result, our democratic institutions have not developed,” he said.
Speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Economics Department at Dinajpur Government College, he also said though the democratic struggle ended on August 5, the nation has failed to find a path towards building the country together in unison.
The BNP leader also said that political parties in Bangladesh have long been engaged in conflict and rivalry with one another.
“However, if we can move forward by practising democracy with tolerance, we can establish true democracy and secure our rights,” he said.
He also agonised that the people of the country, including the new generation, have been unable to exercise their right to vote over the past 15 years.
He said: “What kind of democracy is this, where people lose the opportunity to exercise their rights?”
Fakhrul said that politicians have a failure that even after 54 years of independence they still have not been able to make Bangladesh a happy and peaceful country of love and affection.
“We suffer from narrow-minded politics. We have lost our morality to the lowest level. Even a few days ago, we could not say that we are a proud nation,” he said.
He further said: “Now, once again, hope is rekindled among us and we begin to dream. In the true sense, we’re trying to build a happy, beautiful, loving, democratic, and prosperous Bangladesh, the one envisioned by the proclaimer of democracy, Ziaur Rahman,” he said.
The BNP leader recalled with gratitude that many brave sons of the soil and political activists have sacrificed their lives to free the country from the grip of the fascist Awami League regime.
He said: “Our political workers have long endured unusual and inhuman torture. Over 800 leaders and workers have been subjected to enforced disappearance, while false cases have been filed against more than 60 lakh political leaders and workers.”
He mentioned that thousands of leaders and workers had been killed without trial, calling it a terrible situation they had to endure.
Fakhrul said that new possibilities have arisen lately to build the country and move forward with united efforts.
“But I don’t know why we can’t rise above narrow-mindedness. I appeal to all concerned: let us stand up. Let’s determine a path that is clear, true, and beautiful…rising above narrowness…to materialise our dreams.”
Appreciating the youth, the BNP leader said he is overwhelmed by the way the younger generation and university students are voicing their opinions to build a new Bangladesh.
“They are talking about change with patriotism...Our children have immense potential to show us the way to develop the country. We have to catch this point. So don't think only negatively.”
He urged the need to proceed with mutual tolerance and respect.
He also said that regardless of political beliefs, if there is patriotism and love for the country, they could certainly make use of the opportunities created (through the mass uprising).
END/MSS/AJ
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