98 cases in my name, two more would make century: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said there are several cases against leaders and activists of opposition parties, including 98 cases against him. 

"A case has been filed against about 40 lakh people of opposition parties. There are 98 cases in my name. If there are two more, it will be a century," he said at a seminar on the "Current state of judiciary: A tool to oppress the opposition in Bangladesh" organised by the United Lawyers Front at Hotel Lakeshore in Gulshan on Thursday (14 September).

Alleging that the current judicial system in the country is completely under the government's control and that the people do not have confidence in the system, Fakhrul said, "We just want to say that there is no democracy in Bangladesh now. The judicial system that exists has been completely controlled by them [the government]."

Commenting that the Awami League does not believe in democracy, he said no one can speak [freely]. 

"Today, when police officers talk like politicians, when judges talk about sworn politics, where will the common people go? Who will I turn to? Today, if the judicial system becomes completely partisan, where will the people go?

"That is why, the most important thing needed now is to stand against this system. Not only the judicial system, but also the state structure must be dismantled. A truly democratic state structure should be built by breaking it down," he added.

He also mentioned the BNP's 31-point state reform proposals, including formation of a judicial commission to solve problems concerning the country's judiciary. 

Addressing the lawyers, Mirza Fakhrul said, "Everyone should be united. Everyone needs to speak up. This government has done enough damage to the country. So I say to the government– enough is enough. Now, please resign, create a people's parliament, and a people's government through people's votes."