Staff Reporter :
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Saturday that the interim government’s efforts will fail unless the “ghost of fascism” is eliminated from the administration.
“The fascist regime, which had long oppressed the people and engaged in corruption and looting, was supported by these ‘ghosts’ who are still deeply entrenched in the administration,” Fakhrul stated during a discussion marking World Teachers’ Day, organised by the teachers-employees union at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium in Ramna, Dhaka.
“These ghosts must be removed, or else you won’t be able to achieve anything,” he added.
On the issue of elections, the BNP leader stressed, “We will allow time, but it must be reasonable.
The people of Bangladesh believe in democracy. A parliamentary government should be established through free and fair elections, and it is that government that must lead the nation.”
Fakhrul emphasised that BNP rejects depoliticisation, the “minus two” formula, and the resurgence of militancy or terrorism. “What we truly seek is a healthy, liberal democratic system in the country,” he said.
“That’s why we have entrusted the interim government with this responsibility. We believe they are qualified and capable, and we urge them to act with urgency,” Fakhrul added.
He expressed confidence in the BNP’s leadership, saying, “The people have never failed. We won in 1952, ’69, ’71, and in 1990 under Begum Khaleda Zia’s leadership. Our movement is now being led by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Inshallah, we will be victorious again.”
Addressing the issue of teacher nationalisation, Fakhrul noted, “Nationalisation alone will not solve all your problems. We need to improve the quality of education and bring in qualified individuals.”
He further remarked, “Teachers should refrain from engaging in party politics. Political affiliations within educational institutions harm the system.”
Fakhrul criticised the Awami League’s influence, saying, “The Awami League has controlled everything—from the peon to the president of governing bodies.
We must move beyond this and create a positive environment in our educational institutions by bringing in educated, community-oriented individuals. If this is done sincerely, change will follow; otherwise, it will remain elusive.”
The meeting was presided over by Salim Bhuiya, president of the teachers-employees union. Leaders of the union, including Chowdhury Mugis Uddin Mahmud and Zakir Hossain, along with Gono Odhikar Parishad convener Nurul Haque Nur, also spoke at the event.