‘GDP growth hasn’t changed lives of the masses’

The current government has been identified as “the most tyrannical” in the history of Bangladesh because of widespread corruption and misrule, Gonoforum General Secretary Reza Kibria said yesterday.

“They did not only loot the country’s assets, but also robbed banks, killed innocent people and snatched people’s right to vote,” Reza said, while speaking at a discussion in the capital.

“…It is an illegal, incapable and tyrannical government. The culture of violence which they have brought into the country’s politics should be ended through forging a national unity,” he added.

The noted economist also said there is no reason to be excited about GDP growth as the lives of general people are yet to change.

Bangladesh Sangskritik Muktijot, a political party, organised the discussion on the importance of national unity at Jatiya Press Club.

Speaking at the event, Jatiya Oikyafront Convener Dr Kamal Hossain said none of the autocrats have lasted forever anywhere in the world, regardless of the efforts they made using power and money.

The current “autocratic” government will suffer the same fate, he added.

“People need to unite for bringing an end to this autocratic rule. We will have to spread the call for unity to all localities, districts and villages,” said Dr Kamal, also president of Gonoforum.

Unity is also needed to establish rule of law and ensure people’s ownership of the state, said the eminent jurist.

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President ASM Abdur Rob said the current government is doing whatever they want without caring about any rule and the country’s constitution.

“It is not a people’s government; it is a government of robbers,” he added.

Strongly condemning the murder of Buet student Abrar, Rob criticised the decision of banning political activities on Buet campus. The Language Movement in 1952 and the Liberation War in 1971 would not have been possible without student politics, he added.

Criticising the ruling party leaders’ involvement in corruption, gambling and other illegal activities, he called upon the government to step down immediately.

JSD Vice President Tania Rob and Muktijot Chief Abu Layes Munna spoke at the discussion, among others.