No social protection without state reform: Mirza Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir described the ongoing debate on state reform as disappointing. According to him, while differences of opinion are normal in a democracy, when these differences lead to confusion and extremism, they become a cause for concern.

On Saturday morning, he delivered the keynote speech at a discussion titled “How Secure is Social Protection?” held at the National Press Club in Dhaka. The program was organized by Arpon Alok Sangh, an organization of BNP’s affected leaders and activists.

Mirza Fakhrul said, “I want to remain hopeful, but reality often disappoints. We want a progressive society where people’s rights are established and inequality is reduced. But currently, extremism is spreading, and thought is being diverted in the wrong direction—which is extremely dangerous.”

He further stated that social protection cannot be ensured merely through allowances or small projects. Education, health, employment, and agriculture—all sectors are linked to the state framework. Therefore, effective social protection is impossible without reforms.

The BNP Secretary General accused the Awami League of destroying state institutions and institutionalizing corruption during its 15 years in power. In his words, “This damage cannot be repaired in just one and a half years. The local government system is effectively under the control of Members of Parliament. Bribery has permeated every level of administration.”

He claimed that even small administrative tasks, from teacher and nurse recruitment to routine governance, cannot be completed without bribery, causing suffering for ordinary people.

Other speakers at the discussion included journalist Sohrab Hasan, economist M. Masrur Riaz, coordinator of the Ganashonghoti Andolon Zunaid Saki, chairman of the Nationalist Democratic Movement Bobby Hajjaj, and former MP Rehana Akter Ranu.