Adviser: Elections of past 15 years were mockery

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain criticized most elections in Bangladesh since the Liberation War, especially those of the past 15 years, as lacking transparency and being blatant mockeries.

He made these remarks during a discussion organized by the Islamic Foundation at Agargaon in Dhaka on Tuesday, marking Victory Day.

The adviser said: “The so-called elections held in the past 15 years cannot be called elections. People had no interest in these elections. The electoral system has been completely destroyed. The goals for which we achieved independence remain unfulfilled. Democratic culture has been severely disrupted.”

Dr AFM Khalid Hossain further said: “A culture of disappearances and killings has been established in this country. Many victims remain untraced. Opposing views have been brutally suppressed. In a democratic and independent state, this is not only unfortunate but also shameful.”

He said: “Those who destroy the banking system and push the state toward bankruptcy cannot be considered patriots.”

Highlighting the significance of Victory Day, Dr Khalid said: “Victory Day holds immense importance in our national life. This victory was achieved at the cost of countless lives and the dignity of many mothers and sisters. It carries a glorious history of sacrifice and struggle. This victory was aimed at building a welfare-oriented, non-discriminatory state and institutionalizing democracy. However, even after such a long journey, our cherished dream remains largely unfulfilled.”

Dr Khalid further said: “The sacrifices of those who gave their lives will be meaningful only if we advance toward the goals of independence. The souls of the martyrs will find peace when we establish a welfare state and institutionalize democracy.”

The program concluded with a prayer for the forgiveness of the souls of the martyrs of the Liberation War and the July Revolution.