Dhaka: Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman raised questions on Friday regarding the BNP-led government’s commitment to fighting corruption, challenging why graft persists if “everything runs” according to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s directives. Addressing the triennial national conference of the Bangladesh Transport Workers Federation at the National Press Club, Shafiqur expressed his concerns over the ongoing corruption.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Shafiqur pointed to remarks made by BNP Secretary General and LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who admitted frustration over the persistence of corruption in the first five months of the current government. Fakhrul reportedly stated that corruption had increased rather than decreased, despite Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s apparent incorruptibility.
Shafiqur questioned how, if Tarique Rahman is the Prime Minister and does not condone corruption, such practices could continue. Referencing Fakhrul’s comments, he highlighted the contradiction in the government’s stance, with Fakhrul noting that those who previously engaged in bribery and obstructed good work were continuing their practices.
Despite the ongoing issues, Fakhrul maintained hope, citing positive changes observed in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who is also the BNP Chairman. However, Shafiqur argued that the government’s acknowledgement of its failure to control corruption undermines its moral authority to remain in power.
Shafiqur further accused BNP leaders and activists of extortion, particularly targeting the transport sector. He alleged that transport workers face routine harassment by extortionists, leading to attacks, injuries, and vandalism of vehicles if extortion money is not paid.
Addressing the July-August 2024 mass uprising, Shafiqur urged all political parties and individuals to refrain from claiming sole credit for the movement, emphasizing that the achievement should not be attributed to any single entity.
The conference also featured comments from Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Rafiqul Islam Khan, who asserted that the transport sector could only be liberated from extortion under leadership free from corruption. The event was chaired by Bangladesh Transport Workers Federation President Kabir Ahmad.