People of this country won’t bring Jamaat to power: LGRD Minister

BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD) Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said the people of this country would never bring Jamaat-e-Islami to power because of the party’s role during the 1971 Liberation War.

“There is a party that does politics in the name of religion. They speak sweet words and religious rhetoric but also spread falsehoods. Politics cannot be done this way,” he said while addressing a reception organised by Thakurgaon district BNP at the abandoned airport ground adjacent to Shibganj area in Sadar upazila.

Fakhrul said Jamaat had opposed the country’s independence in 1971 and was involved in killings and atrocities during the Liberation War.

“The people of this country will not bring Jamaat to power. We can never accept those who stood against our independence,” he added.

Referring to recent political discussions, the BNP leader said some groups and parties were trying to mislead people through propaganda and false statements.

“They say BNP does not want reforms, which is completely false. The July Charter and reform agenda were initiated by us,” he said.

Highlighting BNP’s past reforms, Fakhrul said late president Ziaur Rahman introduced multi-party democracy by ending one-party rule, ensured media freedom and strengthened judicial independence.

He also said former prime minister Khaleda Zia restored the parliamentary form of government and introduced free education for girls up to class XII.

Fakhrul said BNP had fought against fascism for the last 14 to 15 years and announced its 31-point reform outline in 2021 and 2022.

“We are clearly saying - do not spread lies. People will not forgive such misinformation,” he said.

Praising BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Fakhrul said the party leader had started a “new horizon” in politics and was working tirelessly for the country.

“He has begun implementing plans for major changes within three months. After returning to the country, he said, ‘I have a plan,’ and he has already started work on that plan,” Fakhrul added.

AM