BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has reiterated that elections serve as the principal gateway to democracy, emphasising the necessity of meaningful reforms to ensure their credibility.
Fakhrul made these remarks during a roundtable discussion titled "Unity, Reform, and Elections," held at the Krishibid Institute in Khamarbari on Friday afternoon (27 December).
Addressing misconceptions about BNP’s stance on reforms, Fakhrul stated, "It is unfortunate that many claim BNP does not support reforms and only seeks elections. We have consistently maintained that we want to participate in elections only after implementing the necessary reforms to make them acceptable. As Dr Ali Riaz and others have pointed out, elections are the main gateway to democracy."
He highlighted the core issue, noting that Bangladesh has lacked a culture of democratic practice.
"Democracy cannot be cultivated through imposition. Without practice, democratic norms cannot develop. In this country, democratic traditions have never truly taken root," he lamented, adding that the absence of such traditions often requires constant reminders of democratic principles.
Reflecting on past experiences, Fakhrul mentioned that three elections were held under caretaker governments, with each successive election improving in credibility.
"The caretaker system gained public acceptance as it was deemed crucial. If we had reverted to a presidential system during that time, it would not have been embraced by the people," he said.
He stressed that no meaningful change is possible without public involvement.
"Any initiative excluding the people is bound to fail. Today’s processes are a welcome start, and I urge the commissions to ensure public engagement," he remarked.
Highlighting the structural challenges, Fakhrul asserted, "Our real problem lies elsewhere. How do we implement reforms when the administration and government machinery remain entrenched in fascism? Without a robust democratic framework, mere imposition of directives will achieve little."
He underscored the need for institutional reforms, stating, "If we can democratically rebuild our institutions, we can achieve democratic success.
However, this requires a shift in mindset, which can only develop through practice. Democracy will progress through errors and corrections."
Fakhrul also recalled BNP’s earlier initiatives for political reform, referencing a 2016 documentary that proposed balancing powers between the prime minister and president, limiting the prime minister to two terms, and establishing a bicameral parliament.
He added, "In 2022, we presented a 31-point reform plan following extensive discussions with all political parties over two years."
Concluding his address, Fakhrul urged everyone to uphold the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War and the subsequent struggle for democracy.
"We must ensure we do not forget 1971. The fight for democracy that followed is equally significant. We stand firmly for the necessary reforms for democracy but recognise that nothing can succeed without the people’s participation," he affirmed.
