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BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD) Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said Bangladesh has emerged from what he described as a fascist system and now has an opportunity to strengthen democratic institutions.
Speaking at a reception organised by the Thakurgaon District Bar Association on Sunday, Fakhrul said the country’s long struggle had created new possibilities for consolidating democracy.
“We have been able to come out of a fascist system. Bangladesh has gone through a long struggle, and a new opportunity has emerged. That opportunity will strengthen the country’s democratic system,” he said.
The BNP leader urged legal professionals to uphold the principles of the rule of law and justice.
“Always hold on to the principles of the rule of law and justice. If we can uphold these two values, we will be able to take society much further forward. Unfortunately, we were deprived of these principles for a considerable period,” he said.
Fakhrul said the government was committed to establishing justice and ensuring the rule of law across the country.
“We want to establish justice. We want to ensure the rule of law and guarantee fairness for every citizen,” he added.
The LGRD minister also stressed the importance of building an independent judiciary free from external influence.
“If we can establish a judiciary free from influence, ordinary citizens will benefit. Likewise, if we can build an efficient administration, the state will benefit,” he said.
He also called for making parliamentary committees more effective, saying stronger parliamentary oversight would further consolidate democracy in Bangladesh.
“An effective parliament and functional parliamentary committees are essential for taking democracy much further forward,” Fakhrul added.