Fakhrul bins Yunus' proposal to lower voting age
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has opposed interim government Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus' proposal to lower the voting age to 17, calling it unnecessary and counterproductive.
Fakhrul argued that such a change would require creating a new voter list, delaying the election process and causing public concern.
Speaking at a discussion at the National Press Club on Saturday, Fakhrul said, “Determining the voting age is the Election Commission's jurisdiction. It is currently 18 years, which is widely accepted. If there’s a proposal to reduce it, it should come from the Election Commission in consultation with political parties. Introducing such proposals unilaterally creates doubts and wastes valuable time.”
Fakhrul warned that the proposal could further delay elections, which he alleged the government is already intentionally stalling. “People now think this government is deliberately delaying elections to cling to power, undermining democracy,” he said.
During the discussion, Fakhrul accused the fallen Awami League of systematically destroying democracy and pushing for a one-party regime.
He traced the party's alleged authoritarian tendencies back to the tenure of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, citing instances of misrule and famine during his leadership.
Fakhrul stated, “The Awami League has never truly believed in democracy. The practices of forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings began during Sheikh Mujib’s rule and have been carried forward by this government.”
Fakhrul emphasised the importance of reforms but insisted that they should not be used as a pretext to delay elections. He said, “Reform is an ongoing process. Elections must proceed without delay, and an unelected government cannot remain in power indefinitely.”
He urged the government to consult the public while implementing reforms, referencing Lenin’s advice to “go to the people, understand their desires, and act accordingly.”
Fakhrul expressed confidence that a legitimate, elected government would alleviate the country’s current instability.
Highlighting rising commodity prices and the increasing struggles of ordinary people, Fakhrul criticised the government’s failure to address public grievances. “The common people are suffering immensely. Prices of essentials like rice have skyrocketed, making it difficult for them to survive,” he said.
Fakhrul also expressed concern over political activities of advisers who, he claimed, are behaving like politicians and contributing to the crisis instead of resolving it.
Addressing the government, he said, “Political parties are not your opponents; they are cooperating with you. Yet, you are unwilling to engage with them meaningfully.”
Despite his criticism, Fakhrul expressed optimism about D. Muhammad Yunus, stating, “We hope the government will implement necessary reforms and facilitate elections soon.”
The discussion, organised by Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA) President Lutfar Rahman. Prominent speakers included Jatiya Party Chairman Mustafa Jamal Haider, BNP Chairperson’s Advisor Aman Ullah Aman, and others.
