BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD) Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said the government had to “start again from zero” after taking responsibility of a country left in ruins by the previous Awami League government.
Speaking at a views-exchange meeting with journalists at Mirza Ruhul Amin Milonayatan in Kalibari area of Thakurgaon district town around 12 PM, Fakhrul said a new opportunity had emerged in Bangladesh following the July mass uprising led by students and the public.
“We have already started walking on the path of democracy. An election has been held with participation of the people. Before that, a reform commission was formed and a referendum on the reform proposals was also held,” he said.
Claiming that the previous government had destroyed the banking sector, the BNP leader alleged that Awami League leaders and ministers looted around Tk 80 lakh crore from banks.
“This government assumed responsibility amid destruction. Banks were emptied. So, we had to begin again from zero,” he said.
Seeking cooperation from journalists, Fakhrul said the government had tried to carry out development works over the last three months and would continue efforts in the coming days with public support.
Describing journalism as one of the most challenging professions, he said journalists often risk their lives while performing duties in difficult situations.
Referring to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, he said many journalists had been killed during the Iran-US conflict and the war in Palestine.
He also alleged that more than 500 journalists were killed during the tenure of the previous government in Bangladesh while carrying out objective reporting.
Calling for responsible journalism, Fakhrul urged reporters to maintain objectivity while publishing reports.
“When you prepare a report against someone, do not publish it without taking that person’s statement,” he said.
Highlighting the growing influence of social media, he said the platform had become extremely powerful and was rapidly changing society.
“A politician’s character can be destroyed within a second through social media. These matters should be kept in mind,” he added.
Among others, district BNP leaders were present at the programme.
