DHAKA, Dec 28, 2024 (BSS) - Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said there should not be an unelected government for a long period considering the context of time, environment and the overall situation. 

“We have said you to reform and we have no objection to this end. But, the biggest problem that has arisen in Bangladesh is instability for which people are feeling insecure. The problems will be reduced a lot if there is an elected government,” he said. 

He was addressing as the chief guest at a discussion titled “Be united in the spirit of protecting the independence, sovereignty being imbued with ideal of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman ,  the pioneer of multi-party democracy and proclaimer of independence, and the student-people uprising-2024”

Jatiya Ganotantrik Party (ZAGPA)  organized  the discussion at the Abdus Salam Auditorium of the Jatiya Press Club (JPC) here. 
 
Fakhrul said that the power of the elected government is more stronger  because the people are behind it. 

“We must always remember this. We want reforms, we want reforms more. But we also want that we should not be in the hands of an unelected government for a long time,” he stated. 

Pointing at the interim government, Fakhrul said that you have formed several commissions for the reforms of the state. 

“It is good that the commissions are working. But who are they working with commissions? They have brought some scholars, we know them well, we respect them. But at the same time, go to the people and find out what they want," he said. 

The meeting was presided over by ZAGPA President, freedom fighter Khandaker Lutfar Rahman.  BNP Chairperson's Adviser Amanullah Aman and Jatiya Party President Mostafa Jamal Haider were present as special guests at the meeting.

Mentioning that the country’s crisis has been increasing, Fakhrul said,”The biggest crisis is  the price of rice which has increased to such an extent that  became difficult buying  for the poor people. 

The prices of pulses, oil, salt, eggs, and chicken have also increased. So, the life of the commoners have become miserable,” he added.

He stated that none is paying attention to these problems and working to reduce the prices of commodities. 

“If someone asks anything in this regard, they say, it is not possible so soon. But, we want to measures to address the matter," he said.

Mirza Fakhrul said that the statement made by the Chief Adviser regarding the minimum age limit for becoming a voter has created a 'debate in the public mind'. 

He said, “  I saw in the newspaper that the Chief Adviser has given a new proposal saying that the minimum age limit for becoming a voter should be 17 years” 

The senior BNP leader asked questions, what should be done now, have we prepared a new voter list? 

“I think that it would have been better if we had not said this issue like this but had talked to the stakeholders and then brought this issue up.

 No controversy would have been created. Now more and more people will be disappointed, because doing this will have to take more time,” he said. 

Mirza Fakhrul opined that the matter (deciding the minimum age limit for the voter) is a subject for the Election Commission. 

The BNP Secretary General also reiterated his party's full support for the interim government and said, "We are with you and will be with you. Complete the necessary reforms as soon as possible and arrange the elections. All crisis will be resolved if the power is given to the people's government."