DHAKA, May 08 (V7N) - BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed doubt on Thursday about the prospect of restoring democracy in Bangladesh within a short timeframe, as desired by the people, citing the complexity introduced by various conditions and statements.

"We have been fighting for 15 years. The main issue of our struggle was the restoration of democracy, but unfortunately we have not yet been able to achieve it," he stated during a discussion organized by BNP at the Supreme Court auditorium to commemorate the first anniversary of the party’s late vice chairman and former attorney general AJ Mohammad Ali.

He highlighted the country's current fragile state under an interim government, leading to an uncertain situation. "We are still in an uncertain situation as to whether the restoration of democracy will be possible in the short term because every day new conditions, different statements, and arguments are given, making everything more complicated," Fakhrul said.

The BNP leader criticized the suggestion of delaying elections for reform completion, arguing, "Many people are saying that first there will be reform and then the election. Reform is an ongoing process. It may take 5 to 10 years to complete the reform. So, won’t there be any election in 10 years? Will the country be run by fascist bureaucrats for 10 years? Now we are being run by fascist bureaucrats."

He alleged that the BNP’s statements are being misinterpreted to mislead the public. "We also know why it is being done. It was proved on Tuesday that Khaleda Zia is the most popular political leader of this country and BNP is the biggest democratic party, in whose hands the independence, sovereignty, and democracy of this country are safe under the leadership of Tarique Rahman," Fakhrul said.  

Fakhrul clarified that while BNP desires power through elections, they also advocate for comprehensive reforms. He said, "I would like to make it clear that BNP surely wants to come to power. We engage in power politics with that objective. We have clearly stated in our constitution and declaration that we want to be elected by the people and come to power through the election to implement our manifesto."

He questioned the government's economic and banking sector reforms, citing factory closures and a lack of investment. "The local and international investors are unequivocally saying they will not invest until an elected government is in place," he said.

Fakhrul also criticized the government's handling of inflation, university campus issues, and public hospital services.

He remembered AJ Mohammad Ali as a principled and honest figure and urged lawyers to advocate for democracy's restoration.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed reiterated the party's commitment to state structure and constitutional reforms if they return to power. "We talk about the independence of the judiciary, and we will do it. We have to do it, and now is the opportunity to do so. If we can’t do it now, we will never be able to do it again," he said.  

He also criticized the government's decision regarding a humanitarian corridor to Myanmar's Rakhine without political consultation. Fakhrul expressed hope for the interim government's success but cautioned against decisions detrimental to the nation.  


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