Attempts underway to place bureaucracy under one party's control, warns Fakhrul

Urging the government to maintain complete neutrality, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that attempts are being made to place bureaucracy under the control of a particular party ahead of the national election, report agencies.

"Efforts are underway to place bureaucracy under the control of a particular party. We (BNP) will never tolerate such moves. During the election, the bureaucracy, government, and the Election Commission must remain entirely neutral," he said.

The BNP leader made the call while speaking at a discussion, organised by Jihad Smriti Parishad at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium in the capital on Friday, commemorating Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) activist Nazir Uddin Ahmed Jihad, who was shot dead in Dhaka on October 10, 1990, during the anti-Ershad movement.

Fakhrul emphasised that the Election Commission must uphold its independence and not yield to any party or undue political pressure.

"Once again, we want to make it clear to the present government that it must play a completely neutral role. Otherwise, we will not accept it, and the people of this country will not accept it either," he warned.

The BNP Secretary General categorically said the national election must be held only within the February, 2026 timeframe set in June by BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at a meeting in London. "Otherwise, there will be no election."

Earlier in the morning, BNP leaders, including Aman Ullah Aman, paid tribute to Jihad by placing wreaths at the Shaheed Jihad memorial in the capital, marking his 35th death anniversary.

Fakhrul said it made him laugh when some people questioned BNP's sincerity about reforms, as it is the BNP that has brought all necessary reforms in Bangladesh.

Highlighting Ziaur Rahman's nation-building legacy, he said just as Ziaur Rahman had inspired people by visiting every household, his leader Tarique Rahman, though 8,000 miles away, continued to motivate them from afar and sent the message to every home to wake up and claim their rights.

"We are on the path to claiming those rights, but many are obstructing that path. Rumours are being spread. Let us be clear: we brought reform before, and we will bring it again. Reform is an ongoing process and will continue. So, there is no benefit in needlessly smearing BNP with false propaganda," he said.

Fakhrul recalled BNP's struggle and sacrifices against autocratic rulers, Ershad in the 1990s and Sheikh Hasina over the last 15 years, for the restoration of democracy.

He said 'monster' Sheikh Hasina did not leave for Delhi on her own but was forced to go because BNP had created the ground for it through 15 years of struggle and fighting with their blood.

"If anyone questions us, let me say it clearly and loudly: we brought democracy, we brought reform. We ourselves will establish this democracy, and if necessary, I will once again protect democracy with my own blood," the BNP leader said.

He also said democracy doesn't come from jumping about for a few days, as it needs experience, sacrifice, and reaching out to the people. "BNP is the party that goes to the people. This party has a real connection with ordinary people."