Jatiya Sangsad Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni on Saturday said political movements should not be used to create instability or hold people hostage, stressing that elections were the only democratic means of changing a government.
“If people are dissatisfied with the government’s performance, they will elect a new government through their votes in the next election. A government can’t be formed through movements,” he said.
Moni made the remarks while addressing the triennial conference of the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB), as chief guest at the IDEB Liberation War Memorial Auditorium in Kakrail, Dhaka.
According to a Parliament Secretariat press release, the Chief Whip said national stability and public welfare must take precedence over attempts to create unrest in the name of political movements.
“We want the democratic environment to prevail in the country. If Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government performs well, people will benefit from its achievements. If it fails to deliver, the people will decide its fate through their votes in the next election,” he said.
He stressed the importance of establishing a democratic tradition of peaceful transfers of power.
Referring to political movements and programmes organised by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and other political groups, Moni said differences of opinion were natural in a democracy, but internal conflicts and confrontations would benefit those seeking to divide the country.
“Who will benefit if we engage in conflicts among ourselves? Those who want to see us divided will take advantage of the situation,” he said.
Drawing an analogy, he said that when two brothers quarrelled, a neighbour might intervene to settle their dispute but could ultimately exploit the situation to acquire their property.
Moni said Bangladesh had witnessed internal conflicts over the past 54 years and urged everyone to focus on national development rather than confrontation.
“If the country is destroyed, what answer will we give to the next generation? This is the time to move the country forward. Everyone must play a responsible role in safeguarding national stability and democratic continuity,” he said.
Turning to the energy crisis and recent protests, the Chief Whip said the government was trying to cushion the impact of rising international fuel prices through subsidies.
He alleged that certain groups were attempting to create artificial fuel shortages to put pressure on the government and the public.
“Some people still want to create an artificial crisis to hold the government and 200 million people of the country hostage. Everyone must remain alert against such activities,” he said.
Addressing diploma engineers, Moni highlighted their role in national development and economic progress.
He stressed the need to make effective use of skilled and educated human resources to generate employment, develop infrastructure and unlock the economic potential of coastal areas.
He also called for collective efforts to ensure the overall development of Barishal division.
“You are the architects of nation-building. You must utilise your talent, knowledge and experience for the country’s development,” he told the engineers.
“I will personally take sincere initiatives regarding your legitimate demands and raise them before the Prime Minister,” he added.
IDEB leaders, diploma engineers and invited guests attended the conference.
