Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said opposition leaders have started using the same language once used by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, warning that such rhetoric could undermine democratic politics.
"The language some of our respected opposition leaders are now using outside Parliament—saying they will not allow the government to complete its five-year term—is the same language Sheikh Hasina once used," Fakhrul said.
A quarter trying to create division in the name of religion: Mirza Fakhrul
He made the remarks at a discussion organised by the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia Hall of the Jatiya Press Club in the morning as the chief guest, marking the second anniversary of the July mass uprising,
"Hasina used to say after going into opposition in 1991 and 1996 that they would not allow the government to remain in peace even for a day. Today, our opposition leaders have started speaking in the same language," he added.
Fakhrul said the government respects the opposition and believes a strong opposition is essential for institutionalising democracy.
"We have the highest respect for them. If democracy is to be institutionalised and made effective, the opposition has the biggest role to play. They must criticise the government, oppose its policies and point out its mistakes," he said.
He stressed that such criticism should primarily take place in Parliament.
"When these issues are addressed inside Parliament, the democratic environment remains healthy. Unfortunately, we have again returned to the old culture of taking to the streets and trying to create confrontations. There is nothing wrong with democratic protests, but they should never reach a level that leads to conflict," he said.
He said nearly 60 lakhs BNP leaders and activists were implicated in around 125,000 "false cases" during the previous AL regime.
Fakhrul also said that around 1,700 BNP leaders and activists, including former MP Ilias Ali, were subjected to enforced disappearance, while more than 2,000 party leaders and activists were killed.
He recalled that then-BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia remained imprisoned until August 5, while Prime Minister Tarique Rahman spent nearly 18 years in exile.
"We always need to remember these realities because they remind us why our movement began and what kind of democratic state we wanted to build," he said.
He said the interim government was formed with the support of democratic forces and worked to create a democratic environment while preparing the July Charter and reform proposals.
Rejecting allegations that BNP is unwilling to implement the July Charter, Fakhrul described such claims as "completely misleading."
"I strongly protest against the propaganda that BNP does not want to implement the July Charter. BNP has always advanced reforms," he said."Whenever the state, politics or the economy has been destroyed, BNP has rebuilt them."
Addressing debates over the July Charter, he said the document itself recognises that political parties may implement their own election manifestos if they are elected to govern on issues where consensus does not exist.
"Please open the document and read it. It clearly states that where there is no consensus, the elected government will implement its own manifesto. So why is it being portrayed as if BNP is abandoning the July Charter?" he asked.
He said disagreements mainly arose over the proposed referendum, particularly one question that was included without consultation with political parties or the Constitution Reform Commission.
"I said at that time that the nation has been deceived. We never accepted that provision," he said.
Fakhrul said BNP contested the election with its own manifesto, received the people's mandate and is now implementing the July Charter within that democratic framework.
He said work has already begun through a parliamentary constitutional amendment committee.
"Now the debate is whether it should be called reform or constitutional amendment. Fine, let’s discuss it in Parliament. If there is disagreement after discussion, then so be it, but let Parliament decide," he said.
"There is no government interference in the media today. Ownership and business interests control most media organisations, and the government has no authority over those matters," he said.
At the same time, Fakhrul said divisions among journalists themselves have contributed to many of the sector's problems.
He assured journalists that the government would raise issues discussed at the programme with the Prime Minister including the rehabilitation of unemployed journalists and support for the families of journalists and others who were killed during the anti-fascist movement.
Fakhrul urged all stakeholders to avoid confrontation and support the government's efforts to strengthen democracy. "The country belongs to all of us. If we remain trapped in endless conflict, Bangladesh will never move forward," he said.
Drawing a comparison with China's post-independence development, Fakhrul said Bangladesh has lagged behind because of persistent divisions.
"The world has changed. We need patience, tolerance and cooperation. The government has been in office for only about five months. It is impossible to solve every problem overnight. Give the government time and help create a positive environment," he said.