Dhaka, Mar 28 – Jatiya Oikyafront Convener Dr Kamal Hossain on Thursday alleged that the government is making the Bangladesh economy bankrupt by imposing a huge burden of loans on people in the name of develop projects.
“The government is carrying out a campaign that the country is witnessing outstanding development but our economists analysing various statistics are saying that our economy has been pushed toward bankruptcy,” he said.
Dr Kamal came up with the remarks while speaking at a discussion arranged by Krishak Sramik Janata League at the Jatiya Press Club.
Dr Kamal, also the president of Gano Forum, alleged that the government is implementing various development projects at a four-time higher cost than the usual one taking huge loans. “I throw a challenge to the government to counter my remarks if you (govt) can.”
Mentioning that it will be very difficult to tackle the burden of loans after a few years, he asked the government to make public the various loans and development projects to be accountable to people.
The Oikyafront chief said the government remarks on development only remind him of such campaign by Pakistani ruler Ayub Khan and Yahya Khan.
“Bangabandhu used to condemn development campaigns and he also used to say they (Pakistan) are destroying our country in the name of development. The word ‘development’ was a term of hatred to Bangabandhu and us,” he said.
Dr Kamal said development turns into a word of hatred when autocratic rulers use it to mislead people.
The Gano Forum president termed the current parliament an imaginary one as there was no election on December 30. “We now hear about a so-called parliament and many people are identifying themselves as MPs but I can’t see the existence of any parliament.”
He also questioned whether the current MPs do not feel ashamed of identifying themselves as MPs when they are not elected with people’s votes.
Dr Kamal said the country’s people will not spare the current government as it is betraying them. “The way you’re deceiving the country’s 16 crore people you have outshined Ayub Khan and Yahya Khan. You’re talking about development and wasting money. It’s not development…it’s only a burden of loans.”
He threatened to wage a movement very soon if the government does not take any step to hold a fresh national election. “Hold the election right now… I would like to say the election must be held this year. Arrange a fair and credible election now if you have the courage.”
Dr Kamal said the fresh election is necessary as the country’s people have no confidence in the current government. “I’m challenging you to prove me a liar by holding a fair and credible election.”- UNB
