Leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have strongly criticized the ongoing suppression of dissent, emphasizing the importance of protecting democratic expression and engaging the youth in national politics.
Fakhrul: "Democracy Thrives on Dissent"
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stressed the need for tolerance of opposing views, stating that dissent must be given space, not suppressed.
“Times are tough right now. Many are disheartened,” he said. “But I remain hopeful that better days lie ahead.”
Fakhrul made these remarks at the closing ceremony of Civil Discourse Nationals 2025, held at Bangla Academy and organized by the Dhaka College Debating Society in collaboration with The Bangladesh Dialogue.
“The beauty of democracy is in allowing disagreement,” Fakhrul said. “Even if someone holds a different view, they must have the right to express it. Unless we bridge the gap between Dhaka and the districts in terms of thought and understanding, we cannot achieve our goals.”
Reflecting on Bangladesh’s political evolution, he added, “Democracy has rarely been fully practiced here — not during the Pakistan era, and only intermittently afterward. We’ve once again strayed from that path.”
Addressing the youth's apparent disengagement from politics, Fakhrul cited a survey showing that only 1.87 percent of young people are politically interested.
“As a politician, that’s disheartening. But being here today, I feel more hopeful,” he said.
He also criticized the arrogance of power: “In our country, when someone becomes a minister, their mentality often changes. That mindset gradually breeds authoritarianism. Despotism begins with the word ‘honorable.’ In my experience, without that word, the superiority complex might not even develop.”
Fakhrul further acknowledged the generational divide, noting, “There’s a gap between us and the younger generation. They don’t understand us, and it takes time to reach them. This is one of the root causes of the political crisis we’re facing.”
Rizvi: Rise of Mob Culture Tied to Administrative Inaction
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi expressed concern over what he described as a growing "mob culture" in Bangladesh, attributing it to administrative paralysis and covert manipulation.
Speaking at a press conference at BNP’s Nayapaltan headquarters on Tuesday, Rizvi alleged that attempts are being made to destabilize society through secret activities and the influence of black money.
He also claimed a coordinated smear campaign is being waged against the BNP on social media, adding, “We’re taking immediate action against any party member found involved in wrongdoing. Several individuals have already been expelled, suspended, or served with show-cause notices.”
Rizvi criticized law enforcement agencies for their alleged inaction. “Despite our appeals to act against criminals, the authorities remain silent. In fact, in some areas, it seems they’re deliberately worsening the situation.”
Zahid Hossain: Mobs Are No Substitute for Justice
BNP Standing Committee member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain condemned the use of mobs as a tool for silencing dissent, warning that such tactics undermine democratic norms.
Speaking at a JASAS workers' conference at Muktamancha in Uttara, Zahid said, “Suppressing people through mob actions doesn’t lead to positive outcomes. Stopping journalists from doing their jobs while claiming to support freedom of expression is not the behavior of a civilized democracy.”
He reiterated the BNP’s call for early elections and political reform. “Necessary reforms must be undertaken immediately to pave the way for early elections. What we need now is unity, not divisive politics. The people who’ve plundered this country for the past 16 years are still among us.”
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
