Lack of democratic culture, govt institution failures to blame for rise of extremist rhetoric, mob violence: Fakhrul to TBS

Highlights:

• Fakhrul blames home ministry for law and order failures
• He says only free elections can restore order
• No alliance with Jamaat, engagement with all parties continues
• If voted to power, BNP to prioritise law and order, employment, economic growth 
• Will strengthen ties with India, China, US, Pakistan for trade, development
• Tarique expected to return soon; prime ministerial role depends on Khaleda's health

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that despite relief from years of repression by the Awami League regime, rising mob violence and resurgent right-wing politics have become a "serious crisis" for the country right now.

In an exclusive interview with The Business Standard's Executive Editor Shakhawat Liton, the senior BNP leader reflected on the fragile state of politics, the failures of institutions, and his fears over what he described as "the dangerous rise of extremist rhetoric."

He blamed a lack of democratic culture and systemic failures within the government, particularly the home ministry and law enforcement agencies, for the situation. 

He said only a free and fair election, followed by the formation of an elected government, could steer the nation back to democracy and restore order.

"Recently, right-wing groups have become louder, threatening those who oppose Sharia, calling to control women, even attacking shrines," he said.

He called right-wing rhetoric a distortion of Bangladesh's cultural fabric. "For a thousand years, we have been a land of tolerance. Now some preach fear and division. That is alien to our tradition. The only way to stop it is through democracy, not force," he said.

For the BNP, Fakhrul said, religion is respected but pluralism is paramount.

"95% of Bangladeshis are Muslim. We honour Islam, as our founder Ziaur Rahman enshrined Bismillah in the constitution. But we also honour other religions. We believe in freedom of belief, not coercion." 

'Home ministry completely failed'

The veteran politician was scathing about the state of law enforcement. "Mass cases remain part of the police culture. Officers file cases against unnamed people only to extort money. 

"The home ministry has completely failed to stop it." 

Fakhrul said the interim government has limited political experience and inherited a demoralised police force. "Many senior officers fled or were sidelined, and recruitment has not kept pace. The police lack morale and enforcement strength. They are used to bad work, not good work," he added.

However, he acknowledged some signs of progress. "Courts are showing independence at higher levels, and new laws are being drafted. Change is visible at the top, but at the lower levels, the old culture persists," Fakhrul said.

He argued that the problem is that this government is not a political government and its political experience is limited, and the police force it inherited is accustomed to the practices of the last government. 

"Government efforts are genuine, but expectations should not be so high," he said. "Reform will take time. The key advantage now is that our chief adviser is a respected individual, supported by people known for their integrity. That is a positive factor."

Addressing allegations of BNP involvement in mob violence and extortion, he said, "Some local incidents may occur, but in most cases, BNP has not been involved."

He added that the BNP has been playing a constructive role since the uprising. "When the government was still being formed, we even helped with policing during Durga Puja. Our activists patrolled mandaps to prevent attacks. We have been committed to stability."

Relations with Jamaat

On the relations with Jamaat-e-Islami, Fakhrul said the BNP had broken its previous alliance before 5 August. "We have no coalition with Jamaat. Post-August, we maintain engagement with all political parties. Our role as a major party carries responsibility to guide smaller parties into constructive participation."

On any potential alliances, Fakhrul said discussions were ongoing. "Seat-sharing talks have not begun in earnest. Post-election, we plan to form a national government with parties that participated in the movement alongside us. This is a major announcement. If we win, our aim is to create an inclusive administration capable of steering the country back toward stability."

Fakhrul opposed banning political parties. "We don't support banning any party. We only supported the suspension of Awami League activities that caused violence and economic damage. We have consistently expressed opposition to the banning of other parties in meetings with the chief adviser."

Reforms, consensus

Fakhrul said he believes elections are a crucial step towards resolving many of current problems. He said an election will lead to the country getting "on track", after which "everything will come under rules".

He believes that various issues and concerns, including those raised by different political parties regarding reforms, can be discussed and resolved in the next parliament once an election has taken place.

Fakhrul highlighted BNP's ongoing work on institutional reform, particularly regarding the July Charter. 

"We are fully committed. Every night our committees convene to examine issues raised by the various commissions. Most proposals have been agreed upon. Out of 19 original points, 12 have been resolved; only minor differences remain. Reform is a continuous process. Democracy requires discussion, negotiation, and time," he added.

Regarding checks and balances, Fakhrul argued: "If limits on the prime minister's power are codified, overreach becomes difficult. These barriers are crucial for safeguarding democracy."

BNP's priorities if elected

If the BNP emerges victorious in the upcoming elections, Fakhrul outlined several key priorities and plans. 

He said the party will form a "national government" that would include all political parties that participated in the movement. While a specific 100-day priority list has not yet been finalised, he confirmed that the party's 31-point reform agenda would guide their actions.

Immediate priorities for a BNP government would include bringing the law and order situation under control and, critically, creating employment opportunities for the young generation, both educated and uneducated, he said.

Economically, the BNP aims to prevent the "looting" that has allegedly plagued the country, ensuring the economy operates on its own momentum. They intend to actively promote private investment and uphold a free-market economy.

In the health sector, the BNP plans a significant increase in allocation, aiming for 5% of the GDP, a substantial leap from the current less than 1%. Fakhrul expressed confidence that this goal is achievable within the next five years through meticulous planning. 

For education, the party intends to curb "unnecessary investments" in institutions that do not serve a clear purpose, instead advocating for increased focus on vocational training institutes and modern agricultural education.

Fakhrul also shared the BNP's long-term vision for Bangladesh. "In the next five to ten years, I see Bangladesh as a fully democratic state with a strong economic foundation and improved living standards."

Addressing the return of BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman, Fakhrul said he is expected to return to Bangladesh "very soon". He indicated that Tarique's return would be the scheduled announcement, with preparations like arranging his residence currently underway. 

When asked who would be the BNP's prime ministerial candidate, he said, "Our party chairperson, Begum Khaleda Zia, will assume the role if she is well. Otherwise, our acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, will take over." 

Foreign relations

On foreign policy, Fakhrul said if the party wins they will maintain strong relations with all countries, particularly India, to resolve water disputes, curb cross-border crimes, and balance trade. 

"Relations with China will be expanded for economic cooperation, while engagement with the US will optimise import and export benefits. Pakistan relations will be strengthened to facilitate trade, particularly in textiles, rice, and wheat. We cannot afford enmity; we must focus on development and mutual benefit."