Election after minimum reforms, not seeking it now: Fakhrul

Amid criticisms of the party's early election demand, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has clarified that they are demanding the polls be held after minimum reforms, not right now.

"We're not saying the election must be held right now. But if polls are arranged after implementing minimum reforms, many problems will be resolved," he said while addressing a discussion today (21 January).

The programme, titled Grantha Adda (Chatting on Books), was organised by Zia Smriti Pathagar at the National Press Club, marking the 89th birth anniversary of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman and the 12th founding anniversary of the organisation.

Fakhrul said many people, especially students, misunderstand him as to why he talks so much about the election.

"I say this because I believe, though I don't know if my belief is right or wrong, that any elected government is much better than an unelected one," he said.

The BNP leader said people have access to an elected government, which is currently lacking.

Besides, he said, if the election is held, many of the problems the country is facing now will disappear, as the elected government will come to power with a public mandate.

"Those who are currently in power, (interim government), have not yet been able to set themselves, as they lack the confidence to understand the language of the people. I believe an elected government understands the people's language better," Fakhrul said.

He thanked the students for raising their voices for change in society and the governance system.

At the same time, he urged everyone not to take any reckless steps that would only create anarchy in the country.

"We must keep it in mind that we will not do anything that will lead to anarchy," the BNP leader said.

"If we want to contain the instability prevailing here, we must move forward with patience. We must be careful not to do anything that will create more chaos and invite further danger," he warned.

The BNP leader also urged all not to lose patience or hope. "We have high expectations but very little patience."

Fakhrul said that although only a few months have passed since the interim government took charge, many people have become crazy as they are taking to the streets with different demands and blocking roads.

"It's natural that this government will make mistakes because they were not in government or politics before and did not understand politics. We must give them that time," he said.

Fakhrul lamented that the country's education quality has significantly declined as the education sector has been destroyed.

He said the current government has formed various commissions, but none have focused on education, which he described as most essential.

The BNP leader also said no visible efforts have been made to improve the standard of education or resolve the problems in the sector.

He opposed the lottery system for admissions to educational institutions and said it should be abolished soon to establish a merit-based education system.