Unelected Govt Shouldn’t Stay in Power for Long: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam

“We have no objection to reform efforts. However, the primary issue facing Bangladesh today is the ongoing instability and chaos. These issues can be significantly alleviated if we have a government that is elected by the people,” Fakhrul said during a discussion organized by a faction of the Jatiya Gonotantrik Party (Jagpa) at the Jatiya Press Club.

He argued that an elected government holds the legitimacy and mandate required to address national issues effectively. “We must always remember this. While we continue to advocate for reforms, we firmly believe that an unelected government should not remain in power for long,” he added.

Fakhrul further clarified that the role of the interim government should be focused on ensuring a free and fair election and then handing over power to the elected representatives of the people.

He reiterated that the BNP fully supports the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus and expressed their commitment to cooperating fully with the interim setup to help it succeed. “We want the interim government to succeed and are ready to offer any necessary support to ensure this outcome,” Fakhrul stated.

However, Fakhrul made it clear that the most pressing need was for swift elections. “My foremost request is for the election to be held promptly. The ongoing crisis, escalating problems, acts of sabotage, and border issues cannot be effectively managed without a legitimate government,” he observed.

On the topic of reform, Fakhrul noted that it is not a new concept but a continuous process. “The government has established several reform commissions, which is fine. But with whom are these commissions engaging? They have brought in a few respected scholars, but reforms must also involve direct consultation with the people to understand their needs and concerns,” he added.