Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said the government wants to work with the opposition to address any political crisis, including the implementation of the July Charter.
"We want to resolve every political crisis through discussion. The opposition must play a strong role in making democracy function effectively. But unfortunately, the opposition has started speaking the language of the Awami League," he said while addressing a discussion as the chief guest. The event was organised by the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) at the National Press Club, marking the second anniversary of the July Mass Uprising.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon attended the programme as the special guest.
Recalling the party's role in the movement for democracy, Fakhrul, who is also the BNP secretary general, said many had participated in movements under the leadership of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, sacrificing their lives, losing their eyesight and becoming permanently disabled.
He said fascism had been ousted through immense sacrifices and that the BNP, as a liberal democratic party, honours the sacrifices of leaders and activists of all political parties, irrespective of their political affiliations.
Fakhrul said around 125,000 false cases had been filed against lakhs of BNP leaders and activists during the struggle to establish democracy.
He alleged that party leaders and activists had been detained in jail without trial, while 20,000 leaders and activists, including Ilias Ali, had been subjected to enforced disappearance and killing.
He also said Begum Khaleda Zia had remained imprisoned for a long period in false cases, while the current prime minister had spent 18 years in exile.
Fakhrul said the protracted movement reached its final victory in July 2024 with the ouster of the "fascist Hasina" government, adding that the sacrifices made during the July Uprising had created the opportunity to elect a democratic government.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to implementing the July Charter, he said all commitments made by the BNP regarding the charter would be honoured. He added that proposals for constitutional amendments would be discussed in parliament and that the party remained committed to rebuilding the state through constitutional procedures.
He alleged that a section was carrying out propaganda against the BNP over the implementation of the July Charter and accused the opposition of echoing the Awami League's narrative.
"This is not right. A completely false impression is being created," he said.
Fakhrul said BNP had been the party that carried out reforms. Whenever dictators had destroyed state institutions, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia had restored them, he added.
He said BNP had introduced the caretaker government system to ensure elections under a neutral administration and had also paved the way for a free-market economy to accelerate economic development.
Bringing the private sector to the forefront was another achievement of the BNP, he said, adding that the new challenge was to rebuild the country by reforming the damaged economy.
Referring to the debate over holding a referendum, Fakhrul said BNP had reached agreement on three issues, while differences had emerged over one proposal put forward by the Constitution Reform Commission.
He said BNP had already explained its position to the people and had received a mandate from voters.
"We are now in government and we are trying. We want to implement every word of the July Charter that we signed. Many works have already been completed. A July Amendment Committee has been formed in parliament and discussions have begun. Even the debate over wording will also be reformed," he said.
Calling for dialogue, he said, "Let us discuss these issues in parliament. Let us discuss and decide where solutions are possible. We will do that."
Fakhrul urged the opposition parties to give the government time and opportunity to fulfil its commitments.
"Only five months and a few days have passed. It is not possible to expect everything to be completed properly within this period," he said.
BFUJ President Obaidur Rahman Shaheen delivered the welcome address, while BFUJ Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury presented the keynote paper.
The discussion was chaired by DUJ President Md Shahidul Islam and moderated by its General Secretary Khurshid Alam.
Among others present were Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed, National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, Dainik Pratidiner Bangladesh Editor Maruf Kamal Khan Sohel, Jugantor Editor Abdul Hai Shikder, former DUJ President Elahi Newaz Khan Saju, DUJ Vice-President Rashedul Haque, Joint Secretary Md Didarul Alam Didar, Organising Secretary Sayeed Khan, BFUJ Publicity Secretary Shahjahan Saju, Organising Secretary Erfanul Haque Nahid, and leaders of various journalists' organisations.
