Nothing has changed yet, but PM is trying: Fakhrul

Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday lamented that nothing has changed in the country's administrative culture despite the July Uprising, but expressed the hope that change will come under the leadership of Prime Minister (PM) Tarique Rahman, reports UNB.

"With great pain, I must say this based on my four to five months' experience as a minister. I see that nothing has changed. Those who used to take bribes are still finding ways to take bribes. Those who used to obstruct good work are still doing so," he said while addressing a discussion marking the 2nd anniversary of the July Uprising in the capital.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting organised the event at Tatya Bhaban in the city. A publication of the Press Information Department was unveiled and a photo exhibition inaugurated at the event.Fakhrul, also the BNP secretary general, said many people have simply changed their colours and they have now become the biggest July warriors.

"I say these words with regret…. I truly wanted to see change this time. But so far, I have not seen it among us," he said.

"We have to change our mindset. If we can bring change to every sphere of society, then the July revolution will be successful and we will be able to see its true outcome. I believe the people of Bangladesh are hardworking and self-sacrificing. They want change. If each of us performs our responsibilities properly, change will certainly come. Our leader, the PM, is working tirelessly and trying every moment to bring about that change," the BNP leader said.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, who chaired the session, said, "During the 17-year political struggle, opposition leaders and activists endured imprisonment, persecution and false cases. The July mass uprising emerged from that long movement. Through the political leadership's strategy and the participation of students, the movement became a nationwide uprising. Ultimately, it paved the way for the fall of the authoritarian regime."

He underscored the need for remaining vigilant so that no one can exploit the spirit and achievements of the July mass uprising for personal or political gain.