Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman today emphasized the critical importance of fair and impartial elections in establishing the rights of the people in post-July uprising Bangladesh. He asserted that the national election is the primary avenue to secure these rights and create a fascist-free country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Tarique Rahman made these comments as the chief guest at a discussion titled "The Purpose and Significance of Establishing BNP," which marked the party's 47th founding anniversary. The event was organized by BNP at the Engineers Institution auditorium in Ramna, with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir presiding over the event. Leaders and activists from the party and its affiliated organizations participated in the discussion.
Tarique Rahman highlighted BNP's continuous demand for a fair and impartial election since the July uprising. He stated that the political empowerment of the people is paramount and emphasized that a government formed through direct votes must be accountable to the populace. If it fails to meet public expectations, the people should have the opportunity to change the government in the next election, as is standard in democratic societies.
He also expressed concerns regarding conspiracies related to the upcoming national parliamentary election, indicating that an unseen force is working against the democratic process. Tarique Rahman urged vigilance against these malevolent activities and stressed the importance of avoiding conditions that could obstruct the path to elections.
In discussing reforms in state and politics, Tarique Rahman reiterated BNP's commitment to establishing people's rights through effective democratic practices. He affirmed BNP's agreement with reforms and its support for proposals initiated by the interim government, despite having announced its own 31-point program.
Tarique Rahman cautioned against mob violence and called for unity in forming a government accountable to the people through elections. He encouraged political parties to avoid dirty politics and work together to address legitimate demands after establishing an accountable government.
The discussion included participation from BNP standing committee members Salahuddin Ahmed, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moin Khan, and Selima Rahman, as well as leaders from affiliated organizations like Juba Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and JCD.