Govt’s failure to prioritise reforms may embolden conspirators: Tarique

If the government fails to prioritise its reform initiatives, conspirators will seize the opportunity to destroy the spirit of the 2024 mass uprising, BNP leader Tarique Rahman has warned.

Speaking at Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal’s 46th founding anniversary event virtually from London yesterday, he said plotters already made repeated attempts to destabilise the country.

The BNP acting chairman urged everyone to remain vigilant so that imprudent decisions cannot destroy the hopes created by the uprising.

“The pro-democratic forces do not want to see the failure of the current government, which was founded on the blood of thousands of students. This is why the BNP has continued to support this government as a pro-people political party.”

Tarique said the BNP considers the debate over prioritising reforms or elections as “ill-motivated and malicious”.

He explained that reforms are an inevitable and continuous process to make the existing system more relevant and up-to-date. “Similarly, elections are the most important and effective way to make the democratic system sustainable and institutionalised.”

He said the opportunity to exercise the right to vote through elections ensures the political power of both the state and the people. “BNP believes that if the political and economic power of the people in the state is not secured, democracy, human rights, or political reforms will ultimately not be sustainable.”

Tarique said the important reform initiatives taken by the government are undeniably needed. “But if the daily suffering of the people is ignored under the guise of these reform programmes, the people may be forced to speak out in anger about the government’s reform initiatives.”

The BNP leader pointed out that people were already questioning what steps the government took to dismantle the market syndicate created during the Awami League regime and bring the prices of essentials within the purchasing capacity of the people.

He also questioned why people still have to crowd the courts daily to deal with the lakhs of cases filed during the previous government’s rule.

Mentioning that there is no reason to be worried if a few more political parties emerge in Bangladesh, Tarique said those who fear the people’s verdict are spreading confusion about the next national election.

“More new political parties may emerge in the country, if necessary. This is a democratic practice and there is nothing to be upset about. BNP welcomes all democratic initiatives that serve the needs of the state and politics,” he said.

Addressing the discussion at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, Tarique said the BNP has always favoured the practice of multi-party politics and diverse opinions.

“BNP’s stance is very clear — the people will give their verdict through the election, determining which party they accept or reject. But those afraid to face this verdict or who have ulterior motives create confusion about the arrangement of election,” he observed.

As the “chief of the Awami League’s mafia regime” has fled the country, he said, it is now time for every political party to make efforts to transform Bangladesh into a democratic and humane country, free from discrimination, in line with people’s desires, Tarique said.

To achieve this goal, the BNP leader said, the political parties must now present their respective political programmes and ideologies to the people, seeking public support in accordance with democratic practice.

The BNP’s student front JCD observed the day with various activities, including placing a wreath at the grave of party founder Ziaur Rahman, organising a blood donation camp at the IEB, and holding an inter-hall badminton competition at Dhaka University.

Addressing the programme, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir hoped that the government would hold a credible election by completing the necessary electoral and financial reforms.

He said BNP seeks reforms, as the party was founded on the principles of state reforms and the introduction of multi-party democracy.

“It is not true that BNP does not want reforms. We have presented reform proposals at various times. Reform is an ongoing process, but elections cannot be delayed in the name of reforms,” he said.

Fakhrul said the persisting problems in the country can be resolved only by establishing an elected government through a fair and acceptable election.

The BNP leader also said various conspiracies are being hatched against the country and against the BNP both at home and abroad, similar to the past. “No conspiracy can split or weaken the BNP like in the past.”

He urged BNP and JCD leaders and workers to confront all conspiracies with their intellect. “We must mount strong resistance against all conspiracies.”