Political parties talk about democracy but fail to practise it: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said the biggest problem in Bangladesh is that political parties talk about democracy but fail to practice it, thus hindering the development of democratic institutions.

Speaking at the golden jubilee celebration of the Economics Department at Dinajpur Government College, he also said though the democratic struggle ended on August 5, the nation has failed to find a path towards building the country together in unison.

The BNP leader also said political parties in Bangladesh have long been engaged in conflict and rivalry with one another. “However, if we can move forward by practising democracy with tolerance, we can establish true democracy and secure our rights,” he said.

He said people of the country, including the new generation, have been unable to exercise their right to vote over the past 15 years. “What kind of democracy is this, where people lose the opportunity to exercise their rights?”

“We suffer from narrow-minded politics. We have lost our morality… Even a few days ago, we could not say that we are a proud nation. Now, once again, hope is rekindled among us. In the true sense, we’re trying to build a happy, beautiful, loving, democratic, and prosperous Bangladesh, the one envisioned by the proclaimer of democracy, Ziaur Rahman,” he said.

Fakhrul said new possibilities have now arisen to build the country and move forward with united efforts. “But I don’t know why we can’t rise above narrow-mindedness. I appeal to all concerned: let us stand up. Let’s determine a path that is clear, true, and beautiful — rising above narrow-mindedness — to materialise our dreams.”He also said aspirations and potential of the youth are vital to shaping a democratic Bangladesh.

He said the new generation has demonstrated its commitment to building a just and democratic Bangladesh, particularly through the July uprising.