Democracy is in grave danger: Fakhrul

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today (5 June) said democracy in Bangladesh is facing serious threats due to what he described as planned efforts to create instability and obstruct the democratic process.

Speaking at a discussion meeting at the National Press Club in Dhaka, he said Bangladesh had regained an opportunity to return to democratic politics through the 2024 July Uprising, but fresh attempts were now being made to derail that process.

"I think democracy is in grave danger," he said.

"From different directions, we are witnessing organised and deliberate efforts to create anarchy," he added.

Fakhrul, also the BNP secretary general, criticised the role of social media in political discourse, saying it had pushed politics toward a dangerous direction.

"Through social media, character assassination of political leaders is being carried out openly. Attempts are being made to portray politicians as degraded individuals before society," he said.

"There is a conspiracy to destroy politics. This is never a good sign for healthy democratic politics."

He alleged that the language being used by "conspirators" was carefully designed to destroy the normal course of political culture.

The BNP leader further claimed that some political groups had been plotting since shortly after the July Uprising to prevent democracy from taking root in the country.

"We are fortunate that a government has been formed through a democratic election," he said.

"The responsibility of this government is to quickly identify these conspiracies and move forward appropriately."

Fakhrul described BNP as a liberal democratic political party rather than a revolutionary force.

"BNP is not a revolutionary party. Those expecting revolution from BNP would be mistaken," he said.

"BNP wants to achieve its goals through movements involving the people, come to power through elections and work for public welfare."

Speaking at the same event, BNP Vice-Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu alleged that various conspiracies and propaganda campaigns were ongoing against the party.

"There are bot networks behind these campaigns. There is hardly any abusive language left unused against our leaders on social media," he said.

"We must remain alert. Our enemies are everywhere. Even then, the people are with the government of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman," he added.

The discussion was organised marking the 52nd death anniversary of former opposition National Assembly member Mahbubul Haque, elected in 1962, and the 12th death anniversary of former Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal president Mahbubul Alam Tara.