No one, not even PM, will be able to abuse power

The BNP, if voted to power, will ensure no one can abuse power or emerge as an autocrat, said Tarique Rahman, the party’s acting chairperson.

“We aim to build a Bangladesh where no individual — not even the prime minister — can abuse power with impunity. Accountability and transparency will be ensured at every level of the government, from the highest offices to the grassroots, so that we can reaffirm that no one is above the law,” he said yesterday.

The foundation of BNP’s governance will be the rule of law, human rights and freedom of expression, Tarique said while addressing a seminar on “31-Point Structural Reforms of the State and Citizens’ Perspective”.

The proposed reforms aim to build an inclusive, liberal and democratic Bangladesh, according to the party.

Diplomats from various foreign missions stationed in Dhaka, members of the civil society, and representatives of different political parties attended the seminar, where Tarique joined virtually from London as the chief guest.

The BNP said the framework for the structural reform agenda has been drawn from party founder late president Ziaur Rahman’s 19 points, the Vision 2030 of Chairperson Khaleda Zia, and extensive public engagement.

“When I personally speak of reform, I envision transformative change that enhances people’s lives — not mere revision to a few constitutional paragraphs. We cannot afford to be bound by conventional governance — we must embrace modernisation and innovation,” Tarique said.

He proposed limiting the tenure of any individual as prime minister to two consecutive terms to prevent the recurrence of authoritarian rule in Bangladesh.

The BNP wants to balance power between the legislative, judicial, and executive branches, said Tarique, who has been heading the party as acting chairperson since 2018.

To ensure the representation and participation of the learned and accomplished professionals in governance, the party proposed introducing a bicameral parliamentary system.

A government’s foremost duty is to govern within the guardrails of a rules-based order, said Tarique, who has been in exile since 2008.

By establishing a rules-based structure, Bangladesh will systematically attract private investment and capital from around the world, he said.

“Unlike the crony capitalism of the Awami League, which resulted in a family-run kleptocracy, converted Bangladeshi businesses into oligarchy and syndicates creating division and discriminations, we will establish a fair business climate, prevent institutional decay and politicisation across all levels of the Bangladeshi society.”

The BNP will create the “right business atmosphere, where local and international private capital will flow in to work hand in hand with our public sector to drive national growth and productivity”, Tarique said.

“We believe, whenever there is rule of law, accountability and good governance, sustainable and inclusive development will naturally follow.”

If elected by the people, the BNP government will make every effort to eliminate the climate of fear that became the norm during the 15 years of AL rule, said Tarique, who turns 57 next week.

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman virtually addresses a party seminar on its 31-point outline for reform of state structure at the capital’s Lakeshore Hotel yesterday. Photo: Amran Hossain

“We will eliminate all the tools of suppression used by that regime, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, excessive force, politically motivated trials, warrantless mass arrests and various other forms of gross human rights violations.”

Following the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the party will work to protect the rights and basic freedoms of every citizen.

The BNP’s policy is to ensure equal rights and security for all citizens, Tarique said, adding that Bangladesh was liberated by freedom fighters through immense sacrifices so that every citizen, regardless of religion, political affiliation or social identity could enjoy their religious, political, cultural and social rights without any hindrance.

“Thus, in an independent Bangladesh, we do not view anyone as a so-called ‘minority’. This ideal of ‘Bangladeshi nationalism’ underpins all our politics — where we believe that our religion, political affiliations, and ideologies are personal; but the state belongs to everyone.”

He also pledged to restore freedom of expression for all and uphold media freedom so that the fourth pillar of democracy can have the liberty to “speak truth to power” and critique the government openly through investigative reports, political talk shows, comedy, and satire.

Over the past 16 years, the nation was systematically stripped of freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and freedom of association, Tarique said.

“You may recall how a section of the media once published unfounded stories against me and then-prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, engaging in media trials and propaganda. Yet, as it is now well documented, the former BNP government did not suppress media freedom, harass journalists or imprison any editor in retaliation back then.”

The BNP’s goal is to create a state structure where no one will be harassed for expressing views on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and other online spaces, or for merely commenting publicly on high-ranking officials, including the prime minister.

“Neither mainstream nor social media will be coerced into concealing the truth or pressured to spread misinformation,” Tarique said, calling upon the country’s media to maintain neutrality and objectivity in their roles toward national development.

About the transition of power, he said it should not be about passing the state’s governing authority from one party to another.

“Rather, it should usher in a new political culture that reflects the evolving landscape of society and the true aspirations of the people, particularly the younger generation,” Tarique added.

The BNP previously unveiled the 31-point outline on July 13 last year “to turn the country into a democratic state in the true sense”.

Speaking at yesterday’s programme held at the capital’s Lakeshore Hotel, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said his party, along with over 50 other parties, had prepared the 31-point state reform proposal during the simultaneous movement against the “fascist regime of Sheikh Hasina”.

He said the BNP decided to present the 31-point framework to the public once again because it believes the reform proposals that may emerge from the commissions formed by the interim government to oversee state reforms will “closely align” with the party’s outline.