True independence lies in people’s ability to secure livelihoods and exercise economic rights, Chief Whip Nurul Islam said on Friday.
“True freedom means ensuring people’s right to earn their livelihood,” he said, adding that a rickshaw puller’s right to work and a farmer’s right to cultivate land reflect the essence of independence.
He was speaking at a programme at the National Press Club auditorium marking Independence and National Day.
He said people are now benefiting from independence after a prolonged democratic struggle and claimed that good governance has been established under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Ensuring basic rights remains the government’s priority, he said, referring to improved living conditions during former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s tenure.
He said the country faced hardship after independence, including famine and lawlessness, and credited former President Ziaur Rahman’s initiatives, including canal excavation, for addressing food shortages.
“There will be no tolerance for negative politics around the July National Charter,” he said, adding that the government is committed to implementing it through a lawful process.
He criticised opposition parties for what he described as inconsistent positions on local government elections, reforms and constitutional changes.
He rejected demands for a proportional representation system, saying it is not practised in countries such as the United States or the United Kingdom.
He also criticised Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and accused the Awami League of financial irregularities, while describing Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as accessible and reform-oriented, including proposals to limit the prime minister’s tenure to two terms.
He said Ziaur Rahman introduced multi-party democracy and ensured media freedom, contributing to the expansion of media outlets.
He added that Khaleda Zia later took responsibility during another difficult period, leading to improvements in living standards.
Among others, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam, Ekushey Padak-winning academic Sukumar Barua and Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sangskritik Dal President Humayun Kabir also spoke at the programme.
