‘Bureaucrats loyal to fascists running country’

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday said fascist bureaucrats are still running the country and claimed that the majority of the officials at the Secretariat are fascist loyalists.

"Many are saying that reforms must come first before elections. But reforms are a continuous process. Some reforms might take five years, even 10. So does that mean there will be no election in that period? And during these 10 years, will the country continue to be run by these fascist bureaucrats?" Fakhrul asked.

He made these remarks at a discussion held at the Supreme Court auditorium marking the first death anniversary of former attorney general and the BNP chairperson's lawyer Abdul Jamil Mohammad Ali.

"We are currently being run by fascist bureaucrats; 90% of the bureaucrats at the secretariat are fascists."

Fakhrul said fascist loyalists are still present at the Supreme Court Bar Association as well. "You [speakers] have said it yourselves here today."

Also speaking at the event, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said those in the judiciary who acted as collaborators of fascists, who helped prolong fascism, can't simply go into retirement and continue to enjoy properties acquired through corruption.

"I believe they must be brought to justice."

Salahuddin also said collaborators of fascists who still sit in the High Court should be removed.

"Many of them were former presidents or general secretaries of the Chhatra League. They directly implemented the agenda of the fascist Awami League government through their judgements in the High Court.

"I won't mention any names—but you all know who they are."

Saying the BNP wants the interim government to succeed, Fakhrul said, "But don't take any step that goes against the nation."

Referring to the proposed humanitarian corridor to Rakhine, BNP leader Fakhrul said, "If humanity needs help, we will help. But these steps must be taken with the people in mind, with discussions involving political parties. None of that has happened.

"We are never an obstacle when it comes to protecting the country's interests, independence, democracy, and sovereignty. We're the ones who come forward; we're the ones who sacrifice our lives; we're the ones who fight."

The BNP leader went on to say the country's democracy is yet to be restored.

"Bangladesh is now going through an unstable period. Some of you may feel a sense of relief or calm, thinking that fascist Hasina has fled and that the country is now safe. But speaking as a politician, I feel this is the most volatile time we've ever been in."

Fakhrul also addressed the accusations that the BNP is interested only in elections and power, not reforms.

"Well, let me say this clearly—yes, the BNP wants to come to power. That is why we are in politics. Our party constitution, our declaration—all of it clearly says we want to come to power through the people's vote, through elections.

"We want this because we want to work to implement our manifesto. We want to establish a representative parliament and a government that will solve the people's problems. That is how democracy works."