BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has accused the current opposition of speaking in the language of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

He said statements such as “we won’t let the government complete its term” and “they won’t be able to” represent a repetition of the country’s past political culture.

Mirza Fakhrul made the remarks on Sunday afternoon at the Rangpur Shilpakala Academy during a ceremony to hand over tea stalls to 25 underprivileged people. The event was organised by US-based charity organisation Love Share BD.

Mirza Fakhrul said the government is only four to five months old and has already begun efforts to revive the devastated economy and restructure the troubled administration.

“The task is not easy. It cannot be done overnight,” he said.

Referring to the mandate given by voters in the election, he said, “I won the election and secured a majority. I have the mandate to run Parliament and govern the country. Let me govern. If I fail, then you can criticise me.”

He called on the opposition to use democratic language and allow democracy to function through its proper course.

Speaking about the country’s recent political changes, the BNP secretary general said an opportunity has emerged to rebuild Bangladesh after a prolonged period of one-party rule and authoritarianism.

He also claimed that the government is implementing its electoral pledges under the leadership of Tarique Rahman.

Regarding development in Rangpur and the northern region, Mirza Fakhrul said there are plans to transform the region into an agriculture-based industrial zone.

He said employment opportunities would increase if the Madhyapara and Barapukuria mines are brought into operation, and urged local people to take initiatives and be willing to take risks.