Staff Reporter:
LGRD and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that efforts are being made to create a new form of divisive politics in the country using religion.
He said that although Muslims constitute the majority of the population, every citizen enjoys equal im-portance in Bangladesh and there is no room for undermining followers of any religion.
Fakhrul made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion organized by Bangladesh Un-ion Parishad Chairmen and Members Association at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh in the capital yesterday.
“Attempts are being made to divide us politically in the name of religion. Although we are the majority, we must not demean people of other faiths. Every religion deserves equal respect. The state belongs to everyone. If you are a chairman, you should attend Durga Puja as well as Eid celebrations. Therefore, division must not be allowed,” he told the UP chairmen and members.
Saying that the disband Awami League has caused significant damage, the minister said, “Awami League and democracy do not go together.”
“Whenever they were in power they have undermined democratic institutions. We are trying to pass a law so that elected public representatives cannot be suspended unless wrongdoing is proven,” he said.
Pointing out the poor monthly allowances given to the UP chairmen and members, the minister said the problems of the local government representatives will be discussed with the Prime Minister, and appro-priate decisions will be made.”
Noting that local government elections are approaching, the minister said elections at the union level will be conducted impartially as neither BNP nor Jamaat members will receive any special advantage.
Candidates must earn victory through the love and support of the people as free and fair elections will be the foundation of democracy, he said.
After the elections, the LGRD minister said, a national organization of chairmen and members will be formed.
“You will establish an ad hoc committee, and the Prime Minister will attend your organization’s coun-cil,” he told the UP chairmen and members.
There is a proposal to involve grassroots public representatives in every development activities. This is essential because a strong state structure cannot be built otherwise,” said Fakhrul.
He also emphasized that strong development cannot be achieved solely through Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) and government officials.
UP chairmen and members must be empowered and given greater authority, he noted.
The minister said the people of Bangladesh know how to choose the right leadership and that grassroots leaders understand the country best.
