Fakhrul challenges elite-led efforts
Staff Reporter :
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday dismissed the notion that the National Consensus Commission could bring meaningful state reform merely through talks with political parties, warning that genuine transformation demands a sustained, inclusive process -not a handful of meetings led by foreign-educated elites.
Addressing a discussion titled ‘July Uprising: Expectations and Achievements’ at the National Press Club in Dhaka, organised by Zia Parishad, Fakhrul said, “Some believe that a few individuals flying in from abroad can hold meetings and instantly fix the state system. That simply does not work.”
He described the expectation that entrenched issues such as police bribery and bureaucratic inefficiency could be eradicated overnight as “foolish”.
“We must build a framework that fundamentally prevents corruption.
Our current bureaucracy obstructs development – it is a negative bureaucracy that must be transformed into one serving the public interest.”
Fakhrul emphasised that the people’s mandate remains the sole legitimate source of political power.
“You cannot simply hire a few foreign experts and expect them to govern a country. This fundamental truth must be understood.”
In a pointed critique of recent electoral reform debates, Fakhrul argued that discussions around Proportional Representation (PR) or statistical voting models have little relevance to the average Bangladeshi.
“Some parties are vocally advocating for PR elections, yet most ordinary citizens cannot even explain what that means.” He also addressed media reports alleging misconduct by BNP leaders, stressing the need for honesty within the party ranks.
“If we fail to uphold integrity internally, the public will reject us. Current headlines often conflict with the ideals of Ziaur Rahman and the principles of the BNP. All who follow Ziaur Rahman’s path must be honest.”
Zia Parishad Vice Chairman Shafiqul Islam highlighted ongoing internal tensions, noting that some Jamaat leaders are actively criticising the BNP across the country. He urged members to prioritise tolerance and public engagement over mudslinging.
Other speakers at the event included Vice Chairman Mujibur Rahman Hawlader, Secretary General Emtaz Hossain, Senior Joint Secretary General Abdullahil Masud, Joint Secretary Alimuzzaman, and members Monowar Islam, Shahidul Islam, Nazir Ahmed, Shahidul Haque, and Sharifuzzaman Khan.
Collectively, the speakers reiterated the call for a grassroots-driven political renewal based on integrity, broad public participation, and national interest-rejecting elite consensus-building or imported solutions as insufficient for genuine change.