Mirza Fakhrul’s call for democratic reform resonated strongly at a discussion event held in Dhaka, where the BNP Secretary General criticized the worsening governance and lack of institutional change. He stated that business owners who previously paid three lakh taka in extortion are now being forced to pay five lakh, signaling a breakdown of control and governance.
Speaking at the launch of the book “Economy, Governance, and Power: Chronicles of Everyday Life” by Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, Fakhrul emphasized that there has been no significant reform in the police force and that extortion is rampant.
The event was held at the SIRDAP auditorium, where Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman presided over the session. Former Bangladesh Bank Governor and economic adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed was present as the chief guest.
Fakhrul stressed, “Reform cannot happen overnight—it takes time. But we cannot afford to remain inactive. Democracy must be practiced, not postponed. It is imperative to quickly return to a democratic process and bring people’s representatives into Parliament to initiate real reform.”
He further warned, “Trump’s tariff policy could create serious trouble in the near future. Political parties must always play a constructive role in national development and public interest.”
Mirza Fakhrul’s call for democratic reform once again underscores the urgency for systemic change and the restoration of democratic values in Bangladesh.
