Opposition trying to strangle democracy: Mirza Fakhrul

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said the opposition has started speaking in the language of Sheikh Hasina, trying to strangle democracy. At the same time, he assured that the ongoing gas crisis in the country would be resolved soon.

He made these remarks as the chief guest at an event to provide assistance to the underprivileged at Rangpur Shilpakala Academy on Sunday.

Criticising the opposition, Mirza Fakhrul said, "We have an opposition party that is speaking in the language of Sheikh Hasina." He also commented that they are trying to obstruct the government in various ways. He said the opposition wants solutions to all crises immediately. However, he called on the public to give the government time to resolve the crises.

Mirza Fakhrul said the previous fascist government destroyed the country's institutions. He even alleged that they destroyed the country's only gas-producing company. However, he assured that the gas crisis would be resolved soon by tackling all challenges.

Referring to the July movement, Mirza Fakhrul said 4,000 students, women and children were killed in the July movement of 2024. He also alleged that lakhs of cases, enforced disappearances and thousands of killings occurred over the past 17 years. He claimed the fascist government filed cases against 60 lakh people and created records of disappearances, killings and torture. He said the people of the country are now breathing a sigh of relief after that government was removed.

The Local Government Minister also spoke about the impact of the international situation. He said Bangladesh has lost nearly $4 billion due to the US-Iran war. The government is working to overcome this loss. He also commented that it will take time for the country's economic situation to turn around.

On the price of commodities, Mirza Fakhrul said prices have risen somewhat. He noted that such situations arise during imports for various reasons. However, he said the government is trying to manage the situation.

On media freedom, Mirza Fakhrul said journalists could not speak or write freely during the Awami League government. Now journalists can write as they wish. However, he commented that the language the opposition is using cannot be called the language of democracy.

He said everyone must work to advance democracy. The government has started development work and wants to move the country forward. He noted that cooperation from all, including the opposition, is needed in this regard.

Outlining development plans for the northern region, Mirza Fakhrul said the Prime Minister wants to develop the northern region as an agriculture-based industrial zone. He sought everyone's cooperation in implementing this plan.

At the event, the 'Self-reliance for the Underprivileged Project' was inaugurated with funding from Love Share BD. During the event, 25 houses were handed over to 25 underprivileged individuals.

The event, chaired by Love Share BD Chairman Zahid Khan, was attended as special guests by Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador Mushfiqul Fazal Ansari, Rangpur Development Authority Chairman Md Shamsuzzaman Samu, Reserved Women's Seat MP Rezeka Sultana Fency, District Council Administrator Saiful Islam and Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ruhul Amin, along with senior administration officials.