Fakhrul urges shift from streets to parliament to strengthen democracy

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday (17 October) urged political parties to shift their activities and focus from the streets to parliament, emphasising the need for strengthening parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh.

Speaking at a general meeting and conference of the Bangladesh Water Development Board Nationalist Workers and Employees Union at the Multipurpose Hall of the Pani Bhaban, he also called upon political parties to set aside minor differences and come together to make the upcoming election truly meaningful.

"We must come up from the streets to the parliament. How long will we stay on the streets? We have been on the streets for 50 years. We must try to solve problems and make democracy a political culture through the National July Charter," the BNP leader said.

Fakhrul acknowledged the interim government's efforts, saying they are trying to do good work. "But no one can clear all the mess in just one year. The Awami League has created heaps of problems and destroyed a lot over the past 15 years, and it is impossible to fix everything in such a short time," he said.

Fakhrul said political parties must now act responsibly to ensure a free and fair election and to strengthen the parliamentary system.

"Through the parliament that will be formed by the election, we must focus on strengthening the parliamentary system. All activities must be centred on parliament. Otherwise, parliamentary democracy will not function," the BNP leader said.

He said in countries where parliamentary democracy has been successful, parliament has always been the main focus of politics.

The BNP leader also called for unity among political parties ahead of the upcoming election and hoped that all parties would participate in it.

 "Let us all, as we have set aside our minor differences to sign the charter, do the same in the upcoming election. Let us overcome our differences and make the election truly meaningful," he said.

Fakhrul said the next election should be free and fair, accessible to everyone, and that those elected will make parliament vibrant and meaningful, serving as the country's political centre.

 He also noted that if democracy is genuinely established, the demands of all sections of society, including workers, will be recognised and fulfilled.

Fakhrul said a historic political event took place on Friday at the south plaza of Parliament, where most political parties signed the July Charter.

He described it as a truly unprecedented moment in Bangladesh's political history.

The BNP leader said the Charter can help bring changes to the state structure and amendments to fundamental principles, while also making politics more transparent for people. "It will strengthen existing democratic institutions, allow democracy to function properly and promote a democratic culture in society."

Commenting on an incident that occurred before the signing ceremony, the BNP leader said a group of students came and sat in front of the parliament venue, which led to a violent situation between the police and the students.

"Such incidents at this time do not help democracy. I believe everyone should act in a highly responsible manner," he observed.

Fakhrul also extended support for the demands of the Water Development Board Nationalist Workers and Employees Union.

He also paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the July movement, saying, "Many sacrificed their lives during the July movement, and I express my deep respect to them."

The BNP leader stressed that the upcoming election is extremely important, as it will determine whether the country moves genuinely towards liberal democracy or takes a different path.

 "We must never forget the 1971 Liberation War, through which a new nation was born. That war remains the foundation of our existence," he reminded.