Fakhrul for shift from streets to parliament to bolster democracy
Staff Reporter:
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday urged all political parties to move their focus and activities from the streets to the parliament, stressing the importance of strengthening Bangladesh’s parliamentary democracy.
Speaking at the general meeting and conference of the Bangladesh Water Development Board Nationalist Workers and Employees Union at the Pani Bhaban’s Multipurpose Hall, Fakhrul also called for unity among political parties to make the upcoming national election truly meaningful.
“We must now move from the streets to the parliament. How long will we continue to stay on the streets? We have been there for 50 years. It’s time to solve problems and establish democracy as a political culture through the National July Charter,” the BNP leader said.
Acknowledging the interim government’s initiatives, Fakhrul said they were trying to do good work. “But no one can clear up all the mess within a year. The Awami League has created mountains of problems and caused immense damage over the last 15 years. It’s impossible to fix everything in such a short time,” he added.
Fakhrul stressed that political parties must now act responsibly to ensure a free and fair election and to reinforce the parliamentary system.
“Through the parliament that will emerge from the upcoming election, we must work to strengthen parliamentary governance. All political activities should revolve around parliament—otherwise, parliamentary democracy cannot function properly,” he said.
He noted that in countries where parliamentary democracy has flourished, the legislature has always remained the central arena of politics.
Calling for broader unity ahead of the next election, Fakhrul expressed hope that all parties would take part. “Just as we set aside our minor differences to sign the July Charter, let us do the same in the election. Let’s rise above divisions and make the polls truly meaningful,” he urged.
Fakhrul said the next election must be free, fair, and inclusive, ensuring that elected representatives make parliament vibrant and effective as the true centre of national politics.
He added that once genuine democracy is established, the rights and demands of all sections of society—including workers—will be duly recognised and fulfilled.
Referring to Friday’s event at the South Plaza of Parliament, Fakhrul described the signing of the July Charter by most political parties as a “historic and unprecedented moment” in Bangladesh’s political history.
He said the Charter has the potential to bring about changes in the state structure, reform fundamental principles, and make politics more transparent to the people. “It will strengthen existing democratic institutions, allow democracy to function effectively, and promote a democratic culture in society,” he remarked.
Commenting on an incident that occurred before the signing ceremony, Fakhrul said a group of students had gathered in front of the parliament venue, leading to a clash between them and the police. “Such incidents do not help democracy. Everyone must act with a high sense of responsibility,” he observed.
He also expressed solidarity with the demands of the Water Development Board Nationalist Workers and Employees Union and paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the July movement. “Many made the ultimate sacrifice in the July movement. I express my deepest respect to them,” he said.
Fakhrul emphasised that the forthcoming election is of historic significance, as it will determine whether the nation advances toward genuine liberal democracy or diverges from that path.
“We must never forget the Liberation War of 1971, through which our nation was born. That struggle remains the foundation of our existence,” he reminded.