Law and order yet to reach satisfactory level: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said the government has failed to recover looted arms and that the law and order situation has not improved to a satisfactory level.

He made the remarks while talking to journalists at his residence in Kalibari area of Thakurgaon town this morning, responding to a question about countrywide violence, killings, and the recovery of looted weapons.

"We are deeply concerned about the issue. We consider it a failure of the government that it has not been able to recover the arms. And so far, I do not think the law and order situation has improved in any significant way," he said.

On Bangladesh's decision not to participate in the Cricket World Cup, Mirza Fakhrul said, "I used to play cricket, but now I don't. I am in politics. International politics is involved with cricket, and the dignity of our country is also related. India has undoubtedly humiliated one of our cricketers. We agree with the decision taken by the board."

However, he added that minor issues should ideally be resolved through talks.

Responding to a question about improving relations with India, the BNP leader said Bangladesh would seek to pursue its demands while maintaining mutual respect between the two countries.

"If we can conduct ourselves diplomatically with them, their unfriendly attitude towards us will diminish," he said.

On the Teesta water-sharing issue, Mirza Fakhrul said BNP remains committed to resolving the problem. "We will engage in discussions with India regarding the Teesta, Padma, and other shared rivers to secure a fair share of water resources," he added.

Regarding recent remarks by Professor Ali Riaz, special assistant to the chief adviser, who said the upcoming referendum aims to ensure that future rulers of the country do not turn fascist, Mirza Fakhrul said those who constantly fear fascism and do nothing themselves, while making big statements from abroad, may feel that way.

"We know how to drive fascism away. We know how to fight, and we also know how to endure repression," he said.

Asked about allegations that BNP candidates are trying to attract votes from supporters of the banned Awami League, Mirza Fakhrul said this does not apply to everyone. "We are reaching out to the people," he added.

Describing BNP as a tested political party, he claimed that all major positive achievements of the country were made under BNP leadership, including the transition from one-party rule to multiparty democracy, the shift from a presidential to a parliamentary system, ensuring press freedom, and establishing judicial independence.

"Therefore, we believe BNP is undoubtedly a self-sufficient political party," he said, adding that when BNP ruled alone in the past, it was able to deliver its best work.

District BNP General Secretary Paigam Ali, former joint general secretary Ansarul Haque, and leaders of BNP's associate bodies were present on the occasion.