Fakhrul stresses justice, rule of law in rebuilding Bangladesh

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday expressed confidence that Bangladesh would be able to build a state where justice, fairness and the rule of law prevail, saying he has faith in both the country's people and its democratic forces, reports UNB.

"We have faith and confidence, faith in our people and in the democratic forces, that we will certainly be able to build a state where justice, fairness and the rule of law are established," he said.

He made the remarks while addressing a programme organised by the National Editors Council at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in the capital's Ramna, where journalists who were martyred during the July Uprising were honoured. Fakhrul said the previous "fascist government" systematically destroyed all democratic institutions in Bangladesh in an attempt to impose a one-party system and pro-democracy forces were subjected to killings and repression during that period.

He said such reminders are necessary so that people do not forget the damage inflicted on the country's democracy and the future of its younger generation.

Recalling Bangladesh's political history, Fakhrul said the struggle for democracy effectively began after 1971, alleging that those who took charge of running the newly independent country had betrayed the people's aspirations by introducing one-party rule.

"The people of this country did not accept it. History bears witness to that," he said, adding that Bangladeshis have repeatedly had to struggle, sacrifice and even lay down their lives to secure their rights.