Chief Whip says elections, not movements, change governments.
Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Md Nurul
Islam Moni today said that creating instability in the country and holding
people hostage in the name of movements cannot be accepted, stressing that
election is the only democratic way to change a government.
"If people are dissatisfied with the government's performance, they will
elect a new government through their votes in the next election. A government
can't be formed through movements," he said.
Moni made the remarks while addressing the triennial conference of the
Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB) as the chief guest at the
IDEB Liberation War Memorial Auditorium in the city's Kakrail area.
The Chief Whip said those attempting to create an unstable situation in the
name of movements should understand that national stability and public
welfare must come first, said a press release of parliament secretariat.
"We want the democratic environment to prevail in the country. If Prime
Minister Tarique Rahman's government performs well, people will benefit from
its achievements. If it fails to deliver, the people will decide its fate
through their votes in the next election," he said.
He stressed the need to establish a democratic tradition of peaceful transfer
of power.
Referring to political movements and programmes by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami
and other political groups, Moni said political differences were natural in a
democracy, but internal conflicts and confrontations would only benefit those
who wanted to see the country divided.
"Who will benefit if we engage in conflicts among ourselves? Those who want
to see us divided will take advantage of the situation. When two brothers
quarrel, a neighbour comes forward to mediate, but may ultimately exploit the
opportunity to acquire the property of both brothers," he said.
The country had witnessed internal conflicts over the past 54 years and
called upon all to focus on national development, Nurul Islam Moni said,
adding,"If the country is destroyed, what answer will we give to the next
generation? This is the time to move the country forward. Everyone must play
a responsible role in safeguarding national stability and democratic
continuity."
On the energy crisis and recent movements, he said the government was trying
to manage the impact of rising international fuel prices through subsidies.
However, the JS Chief Whip alleged that some quarters were attempting to
create an artificial shortage of fuel to put the government and the people
under pressure.
"Some people still want to create an artificial crisis to hold the government
and 200 million people of the country hostage. Everyone must remain alert
against such activities," he continued.
Addressing diploma engineers, the Chief Whip said engineers played an
important role in national development and economic progress.
He stressed the need to utilise skilled and educated human resources to
create employment, develop infrastructure and harness the enormous economic
potential of coastal areas.
He also underscored the importance of collective initiatives to ensure the
overall development of Barishal division.
"You are the architects of nation-building. You must utilise your talent,
knowledge and experience for the country's development. I will personally
take sincere initiatives regarding your legitimate demands and raise them
before the Prime Minister," he added.
IDEB leaders, diploma engineers and invited guests from different levels
attended the conference.
