Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS)- Political Adviser to the Prime Minister Nazrul Islam Khan has said February 12 national election fulfilled the long-denied democratic rights of the people.

“Now it is time to rebuild our country. Various state institutions have been severely damaged due to excessive politicization and nepotism”, he told a reception this morning in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

Nazrul, also BNP Standing Committee Member, said, “The newly formed government’s commitment to addressing these problems through good governance and accountability points to a promising beginning.”

The event, organised by ‘Debate for Democracy’, marked the 2026 Election Debate Competition prize-giving ceremony. Nazrul Islam Khan handed over the prizes to the winners.

Highlighting the importance of youth participation in democratic practice, Nazrul Islam Khan urged young people to unite to consolidate democracy.

He said politicization, and corruption has destroyed political institutions. “We thought the damage was severe, but it was even worse. Politicization, nepotism, corruption, mismanagement, and appointing unqualified people—this has caused widespread destruction.”

“There is no path forward except to overcome this situation and move ahead,” he added.

Nazrul Islam said, “It is natural to desire good, and to seek even better, but in reality, we must work together to achieve what is possible.”

“We want the best, and it is necessary and natural to do so. But we must consider reality and strive for achievable goals. Implementation is no one person’s responsibility—nothing can be achieved without cooperation,” he added.

Drawing on his political experience, he said, “I come from the workers’ movement. I have endured hardship and am willing to wait. If I see my country succeed, my colleagues succeed, my children succeed—that is the greatest achievement. This is not a one-day task, but an inevitable one.”

PM’s adviser described the young population as Bangladesh’s greatest strength. “Few countries have such a large youth population. If their skills, ethics, and thinking are applied collectively, Bangladesh can advance far. Population should not be viewed as a problem, but as human capital.”

“It is not enough to dream…you must move towards implementation. Efforts must be united to achieve what is deserved. Debate and discussion should guide that path,” he told the youths.

Regarding national-level debate competitions, he said former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia had announced a Prime Minister’s Gold Cup for the champion team and personally distributed prizes. 

Nazrul Islam suggested reviving the tournament under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s oversight and assured he would submit the proposal for consideration.

He suggested including debate as a co-curricular subject in textbooks saying it is feasible and national-level debate competitions should be organised.