Dhaka: Chief Whip of Jatiya Sangsad Nurul Islam Moni today emphasized that true freedom is rooted in reinstating the people’s right to livelihood and ensuring the appreciation of the working class’s labor. He highlighted that freedom is represented by a rickshaw puller’s right to earn and a farmer’s right to cultivate. Under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the government aims to protect these essential rights and create a model of good governance.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Nurul Islam shared these insights as the chief guest at a programme organized by the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sangskritik Dal at the National Press Club. He addressed the political landscape, stating that any mal-politics concerning the ‘July Charter’ would not be tolerated. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to implement the July Charter through a systematic and legal process.
Nurul Islam criticized the opposition for their shifting demands, which have ranged from local government elections to constitutional reforms, including a call for a Proportional Representation (PR) system. He argued that such systems are not present in major democracies like the United States or England and contended that elections should not be postponed based on unreasonable demands.
He contrasted the current administration with past regimes, accusing the Awami League of laundering Taka 27 lakh crore trillion from the country. He praised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as an austere leader who has introduced farmer and family cards and proposed a two-term limit for the Prime Minister’s office. He also noted improvements in press freedom, allowing citizens to create satirical cartoons of the Prime Minister without fear of repercussions.
Reflecting on history, Nurul Islam credited Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman for restoring law and order, introducing multi-party democracy, and ending food shortages through a canal-digging programme, which eventually led to food exports to Senegal. He also attributed economic advancements to Begum Khaleda Zia’s tenure, acknowledging that the party endured 17 years of oppression due to the progress made during her leadership.
The event was chaired by Humayun Kabir, President of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sangskritik Dal, and featured speeches from Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Bir Muktijoddha Abdus Salam and Ekushey Padak recipient Principal Sukumar Barua. Leaders of BNP’s cultural wing were also in attendance.