A government cannot be formed through movement; elections are the only path to change, says Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni in Kakrail

A government cannot be formed through movement, Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni has said. He said elections are the only democratic path to changing a government; if people are not satisfied with a government's work, they will form a new government through their votes in the next election.

He made the remarks on Saturday as chief guest at the triennial conference of the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB), at the IDEB Muktijuddho Smriti Auditorium in Kakrail, in the capital.

The chief whip also commented that attempts to hold the people hostage by creating an unstable situation in the country in the name of movement are not acceptable.

Nurul Islam Moni said: 'Can a government be formed through movement? The path to forming a government is an election. Those who are trying to create an unstable environment in the name of movement must understand that the country's stability and the people's welfare come first.'

He said: 'We want a democratic environment to prevail in the country. If Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's government does good work, the people will benefit from it. And if the government cannot do good work, the people will decide through their votes in the next election. A democratic practice of peaceful transfer of power must be established.'

Raising the movements and programmes of Jamaat and various other political sides, the chief whip said political differences can exist. But if conflict is created among ourselves, others will take advantage of it, he said.

He said: 'Even after we quarrel among ourselves, whose path will become easier? Those who want to see us divided. When two brothers quarrel, a neighbour comes to mediate; but in that opportunity, he wants to buy the two brothers' property.'

Calling on everyone to play a responsible role in protecting the country's stability and democratic continuity, he said: 'If this country is destroyed, what answer will we give to the next generation? In 54 years we have involved ourselves in conflict many times. Now is the time to move the country forward.'

On the fuel crisis and recent movements, Nurul Islam Moni said the government is trying to handle the situation by giving subsidies to cope with the impact of fuel price rises in the international market. Yet, he commented, attempts are being made to put people in suffering by creating an artificial crisis.

He said: 'Some people still want to create an artificial crisis to hold the government hostage, to hold the country's 200 million people hostage. Everyone must be aware of such activities.'

Addressing diploma engineers, the chief whip said engineers have an important role in the country's development and economic progress. Skilled and educated manpower must be used to create employment, develop infrastructure and harness the vast potential of the coastal region. He also stressed combined initiatives for the overall development of Barishal division.

He said: 'You are the builders of the country. Your talent, knowledge and experience must be used for the country's development. I will personally take sincere initiatives on your reasonable demands and raise them before the prime minister.'

IDEB leaders, diploma engineers and invited guests from various levels were present at the event.