BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed frustration over the lack of expected reforms in the state and administration, saying the sacrifices made during the July Mass Uprising have yet to bring the level of change people hoped for.
Speaking about his experience as the local government minister after the formation of the government, Fakhrul said, “I see that nothing has changed.”
He, however, said he remains hopeful that the country will witness transformation under the leadership of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman.
“I see hope for change in one person – Tarique Rahman. He is trying to bring changes and set new examples. If we can carry those examples forward together, I believe the country will change,” Fakhrul said.
He made the remarks while addressing a discussion organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at the Information Bhaban in Dhaka on Thursday to mark July Mass Uprising Day.
‘Those involved in old practices remain active’
Fakhrul said his experience over the past four to five months as a minister had left him disappointed, as many long-standing practices continued despite expectations of change.
“I am saying this with a lot of pain. In my four to five months as a minister, I have seen that nothing has changed,” he said.
He alleged that people involved in corruption continued to seek opportunities for wrongdoing, while those who previously obstructed development initiatives were still doing the same.
“Those who used to take bribes are still trying to find ways to take bribes. Those who used to stop good work are still stopping it,” he said.
Fakhrul also criticised people who changed their positions after the July uprising, saying many of them have now emerged as prominent figures of the movement.
He said meaningful reform would require changes not only in government and political leadership but also in the attitudes of people across society.
“If we can bring change in every sector, then the July uprising will succeed and we will see its true outcome,” he said.
Fakhrul highlights Tarique’s initiatives
Referring to Tarique Rahman’s efforts, Fakhrul cited his initiatives on cleanliness and civic responsibility as examples of the type of change he wants to see.
He said Tarique had encouraged children not to throw waste on the streets and urged them to discourage others from doing so. He also mentioned instructions given to city corporations to ensure cleanliness.
“Such efforts continue as long as a person remains involved. Once that person is no longer there, things return to the previous state. We need to change our mindset,” Fakhrul said.
He added that the people of Bangladesh are hardworking and committed, and that change would be possible if everyone fulfilled their responsibilities from their respective positions.
Recalling those killed during the July uprising, Fakhrul said many families continue to bear the pain of losing their loved ones.
“We have to carry the memory of these sacrifices. If we fail to work towards change after such sacrifices, the tears of mothers and the blood that was shed will go in vain,” he said.
Event marks July Mass Uprising
The programme included the unveiling of publications by the Department of Information and the opening of a photography exhibition. It began with a minute’s silence in remembrance of those killed during the July uprising, followed by prayers for them.
The event also featured the unveiling of a publication by the Press Information Department and the opening of a photo exhibition.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon said opposition leaders and activists had endured imprisonment, repression and cases during a 17-year political struggle, which eventually contributed to the July uprising.
He cautioned against using the spirit and achievements of the uprising for personal or political interests.
Other speakers included State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury, Bangladesh Public Service Commission member Chowdhury Saima Ferdous, Additional Secretary Md Shah Alam, Bangladesh Press Council Chairman AKM Abdul Hakim, Protidiner Bangladesh Editor Maruf Kamal Khan, journalist leader Kader Gani Chowdhury, National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, and Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdha, brother of July uprising victim Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdha.
