Opposition should play constructive role in JS: Fakhrul 

LGRD Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on the opposition to play a constructive role in parliament, saying criticism of the government is essential for strengthening democracy but should remain within parliamentary norms. 

He also alleged that some opposition leaders are now using language similar to that of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

He made the remarks while addressing a discussion as the chief guest at the National Press Club in Dhaka on Monday (August 3). The programme was jointly organised by the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) to mark the second anniversary of the July Uprising.

Mirza Fakhrul said Sheikh Hasina had used phrases such as "I will not let the government remain in peace even for a day" and "I will not allow the government to complete five years" after the 1991 and 1996 elections. He claimed that opposition leaders are now using similar language.

He said the opposition has every right to criticise the government and point out its mistakes. However, he stressed that such criticism should take place inside national parliament to maintain a healthy democratic environment. While street protests are a democratic right, he said, everyone should ensure that they do not turn aggressive in language.

The BNP Secretary General said a strong opposition plays a vital role in making democracy effective. Referring to several recent incidents in different parts of the country, he expressed hope that law enforcement agencies would conduct impartial investigations and take action against those responsible.

Speaking about the implementation of the July Charter, Mirza Fakhrul said the government is working to fulfil every commitment made under the charter. He said the July Constitution Amendment Committee has already been formed in parliament and urged all parties to settle debates, including whether the process should be called "reform" or "amendment", through parliamentary discussion.