Govt only arresting ‘small fry’: Fakhrul

BNP yesterday urged people of the country to initiate a strong resistance against the government -- in the face of “severe social and political bankruptcy”.

“Corruption in Bangladesh has become all-pervasive. The economy is devastated due to it. Not only the economy but socio-political corruption in the country has also turned worse,” Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary general of the party, said.

He was speaking to reporters after placing wreaths at party founder Ziaur Rahman’s grave along with new committee members of Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (Jasas).

Fakhrul alleged that corruption has reached such a level that the Anti-Corruption Commission chairman and an MP has engaged in a war of words over it.

He said the government is arresting only some “small fry” in the name of its drive against corruption.

“No action is being taken against the big fish. Not only that, the election process has been destroyed through corruption and thus the government has usurped power. I think the people of Bangladesh must put up a resistance against this all-pervasive corruption.”

Regarding Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader’s remark that BNP is approaching foreigners with complaints after failing to wage any movement, Fakhrul said such comments from ruling party leaders have no meaning and importance to people.

People should start a movement to prevent corruption -- prevailing in all sectors of the country, he said.

About BNP’s protests for its Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s release from jail, he said, “We have taken an oath to continue our movement.”