Ethics, honesty fading in state structure
BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said he is increasingly alarmed the deeper he examines the government’s internal structure, warning that honesty, courage and ethics are rapidly disappearing from public life in the country.
“The more we go inside the government, the more we become worried about how this structure can be fixed,” he said on Saturday while speaking as chief guest at a memorial meeting and prayer session held at the auditorium of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University in the capital.
The event was organised in memory of late Professor Dr Abdul Quddus—a freedom fighter, former adviser to the BNP Chairperson and chairman of Zia Parishad—with prayers offered for the salvation of his soul.
Fakhrul said Dr Quddus’s death was not merely natural, suggesting that prolonged hardship, humiliation and personal suffering had contributed to his passing.
“Honest, courageous and ethical individuals like him are becoming increasingly rare in today’s society,” he said.
He urged those present to uphold the ideals and moral values of the late professor, saying this could help bring meaningful change to both society and the country.
Referring to the broader national situation, Fakhrul alleged that irregularities, corruption and nepotism had become deeply entrenched over the past 15 to 16 years.
“A culture has developed where nothing gets done without lobbying—which was not the case before,” he said.
He added that the country is currently burdened with heavy debt and stressed that national unity is essential to overcome the ongoing economic challenges.
Speaking on the role of Zia Parishad, Fakhrul cautioned against allowing the organisation to be used for personal gain.
He said it should instead focus on research and intellectual work to project the life and legacy of Ziaur Rahman on a global platform.
Reflecting on Ziaur Rahman’s leadership, he said the late president had shown an ability to advance the country within a short period and demonstrated that development is not possible without honesty and hard work.
Fakhrul reiterated that the BNP supports the ongoing reform process but said the party has formal objections to certain proposals, which have already been communicated through official channels.
He also praised BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, saying he is committed to inclusive politics and continues to work with dedication towards that goal.
On education and student politics, Fakhrul called for merit-based practices in universities and warned against continued politicisation of academic institutions.
He said the absence of healthy student politics would ultimately be detrimental to the nation.
