Sustainable reforms can't be achieved overnight: Fakhrul

BENAPOLE, Nov 22 (UNB): BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said sustainable reforms cannot be achieved overnight, urging patience as the country navigates a transitional phase.
The BNP leader came up with the remarks while speaking at a discussion programme on 'Long Anti-Fascist Movement: Today's Perspective' at the Jashore District Council auditorium on Saturday.
Fakhrul accused the Awami League of undermining democracy and economic stability.
"The caretaker government system, introduced by Khaleda Zia, was abolished by Sheikh Hasina, pushing the country towards instability," he said.
He said the ruling party has left banks empty and suppressed dissent by shutting down media outlets like Diganta Television while controlling others through restrictive laws.
Fakhrul said, "The reforms being talked about now are among the 31 points of BNP. These 31 points have been prepared by sitting with 42 political parties. Unity is needed to build this country with democratic and human values."
"BNP wants to form a government of consensus with all the oppressed parties, so that the country can move forward towards prosperity," he said.
He said, "As soon as the elections are held in the country, stability will come. If BNP comes to power, it will take the reform process forward from where this government completes it."
Referring to past movements, Fakhrul said blood has a lot of power and change comes through sacrifices as history shows, from Shaheed Asad to Dr Milon and Abu Sayeed adding, "The students and the public have freed the country from tyranny by pouring their fresh blood. For this reason, they must always be remembered."
FE report adds: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said on Saturday that that Sheikh Hasina had fled the country after destroying the nation's future.
"Sheikh Hasina fled the country after destroying the nation's future. Awami League (AL) had established a one-family rule in the country through muzzling people's voice," he told the media while visiting the residence of Golam Nafiz, a student who had embraced martyrdom during the July-August student-mass uprising against the fascist regime of Sheikh Hasina, at Mohakhali in the capital.
Mr Rizvi also handed over a financial assistance to Golam Nafiz's family, which was given by Amora BNP Paribar (We are BNP Family) following directive of party's acting chairman Tarique Rahman.
"Fascist Sheikh Hasina spared none including children, juveniles, and youths. Martyr Golam Nafiz and others gifted us an opportunity to take fresh air (after political changeover). A person (ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina) didn't spare any person just to perpetuate her power," he said.
"Golam Nafiz and others had sacrificed their lives through fighting against misrule and oppression (committed by Sheikh Hasina). Other people's contributions were ignored (during War of Liberation) as the Awami League mentioned only Sheikh Mujibor Rahman's name everywhere including textbooks," he continued.
"Awami League had done all acts and applied techniques just to hold on to power. They (AL) had created people like Benazir and Harun (former police officials) and used them for killing many people (political opponents). The sacrifices of Golam Nafiz and others wouldn't be allowed to go in vain," he asserted.

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