Dhaka, May 12 (bdnews24.com) – Former minister Osman Farruk took a dig at the BNP dynasty saying Khaleda Zia's appointment of her brother Saeed Iskander as vice-chairperson of the party came at wrong time amid calls for reforms within. In one of the most aggressive gesture in recent times at the BNP leadership, he said people no more want to see political dynasty and that the BNP needs to reform within, weeding out the corrupt and failed politicians. "I must say the timing of appointing Sayeed Eskandar vice chairperson when party members and workers were discussing reforms within was bad on the BNP chairperson's part," Farruk, education minister in Khaleda's cabinet, told bdnews24.com in an interview at his Gulshan home.
His comments came a day after Dhaka mayor and city BNP chief Sadeque Hossain Khoka said the BNP cannot shrug off blame for plunging the country into emergency.
"I'm not questioning Sayeed Eskander's competence, but only the timing of his appointment."
"People of Bangladesh had enough of dynasty rule, now they want to live and work in a democratic environment.
"BNP must effect reforms within the party, punish the corrupt and remove failed politicians."
All over the world people are rejecting dynasty rule and Bangladeshis are no exception. People would now like to be ruled by themselves.
Farruk said there is no alternative to bringing about necessary reforms within the party right away.
Reforming the party constitution, the selection process for central leadership and elections to district committees are a must to bury internal squabbling, he said.
Farruk felt people want reforms, transparency and accountability in decision-making at all leadership levels and to see honest, competent candidates running for important positions.
On Khaleda's attitude towards the reforms, he said she was positive about it and the situation will tell her how to go about the whole business of effecting reforms.
On her stance on the corrupt leaders, the former minister said she would not hesitate to punish those found guilty in the court of law.
About her leadership, the former lawmaker said she is a charismatic personality, but she has to undertake reforms in the party to consolidate its strength and discipline party workers.
Farruk praised the present caretaker government for what he said were its well-timed reforms.
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