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Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Bangladesh's Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated the government seeks dialogue to resolve political crises and implement the July Charter.
- He accused the opposition of echoing the ruling party's narrative and alleged false cases and disappearances against BNP leaders during the struggle for democracy.
- Alamgir reaffirmed the government's commitment to the July Charter and rebuilding the state through constitutional procedures, while criticizing propaganda against the BNP.
Bangladesh's Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed the government's desire for dialogue to resolve political crises and implement the July Charter. Speaking at an event marking the second anniversary of the July Mass Uprising, organized by the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ), Alamgir emphasized the opposition's crucial role in a functioning democracy.
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.
Alamgir, also the BNP secretary general, recalled the sacrifices made during past movements for democracy, including those led by former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia. He stated that fascism was overthrown through immense sacrifices and that the BNP respects the contributions of all political parties. He alleged that around 125,000 false cases were filed against BNP leaders and activists, and that 20,000 individuals, including Ilias Ali, have been subjected to enforced disappearance and killing.
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.
He further alleged that Begum Khaleda Zia was imprisoned on false charges, contrasting it with the current prime minister's 18 years in exile. Alamgir declared that the protracted movement culminated in the "ouster of the fascist Hasina" government in July 2024, enabling the election of a democratic government. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to the July Charter and constitutional reforms, stating that proposals for amendments would be discussed in parliament.
around 125,000 false cases had been filed against lakhs of BNP leaders and activists during the struggle to establish democracy.
Criticizing what he called propaganda against the BNP regarding the charter's implementation, Alamgir accused the opposition of repeating the Awami League's narrative. He asserted that the BNP has a history of reform, with past leaders restoring state institutions destroyed by dictators. He stated that the government wants to work with the opposition to address any political crisis.
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.
Originally published by Daily Star. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.