Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, emphasized the necessity of reinstating the people’s voting rights during a virtual workshop held at the Institution of Diploma Engineers in Kakrail. Rahman, serving as the chief guest, declared that ensuring accountability is crucial for political freedom and vowed that the BNP is committed to restoring these rights regardless of the challenges faced.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Tarique Rahman urged his party members to avoid associating titles like “Desh Nayok” and “Rasthra Nayok” with his name. He highlighted the presence of a conspiracy within the country and called for vigilance among party members to keep the public informed and alert. He criticized the Awami League for its lack of accountability, which he claimed has led to an autocratic governance style, contrasting it with the BNP’s focus on accountability for elected representatives.
Rahman further elaborated on the cascading effects of a lack of accountabilit
y, stating that when politics becomes unhealthy, it adversely affects the economy, education, security, and other sectors. He reiterated that accountability of public representatives is a non-negotiable aspect of governance. Additionally, he expressed openness to alternative proposals that could complement BNP’s existing 31-point reform agenda and assured that these would be considered if the BNP assumes power.
He called on BNP members to revive the practice of “Uthan Baithak” or yard meetings, to disseminate the party’s reform proposals at the grassroots level. This approach, he believes, will facilitate the reform process across the country. The event was chaired by BNP’s organizing secretary for the Dhaka division.