Corruption, old practices still persist: Fakhrul

 
BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said corruption and old administrative practices continue despite the July 2024 mass uprising, expressing disappointment that the desired changes have yet to materialise.

Speaking at a discussion marking July Uprising Day in the capital, Fakhrul said many people had changed their positions and were now presenting themselves as July warriors.

"Those who used to take bribes earlier are now taking bribes again. Those who used to block good work are still blocking it," he said.

The BNP leader said the country's administrative culture had largely remained unchanged and stressed that meaningful reform required not only political leadership but also a change in the mindset of every citizen. Otherwise, he warned, the sacrifices of the July Uprising would fail to achieve their intended goal.

Referring to his experience as a minister after the election, Fakhrul said, "I see that nothing has changed."
Expressing disappointment, he added: "I am saying these words with regret because I am old. I really wanted to see change this time. I have not seen it among us so far."

Despite his concerns, Fakhrul said he remained hopeful because of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's efforts to bring meaningful reforms.

He said the Prime Minister was trying to establish new standards of governance and urged everyone to support those efforts.

The discussion was organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at the Information Building Auditorium in the Circuit House area of the capital.

The programme also featured the unveiling of publications by the Directorate of Information and the inauguration of a photography exhibition. A one-minute silence was observed at the beginning of the event in memory of the martyrs of the July Uprising, followed by prayers.