BNP's 31-point Charter: Tarique calls for action
Staff Reporter :
BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, stated on Sunday that his party’s 31-point charter aims to rebuild Bangladesh after the damage caused by the ousted Awami League government.
“The Awami League has oppressed the people for 16 years, and I believe the best way to counter this oppression is by implementing our 31-point charter,” he said while addressing BNP’s Narail district unit’s biennial conference virtually from London. The event took place at Narail Government High School ground.
Highlighting BNP’s strong prospects in the upcoming election, he remarked, “Despite significant public support, BNP must proactively work for the welfare of the people starting now.”
He urged party leaders and activists to prepare themselves mentally and organisationally to bring about positive change in the country and implement the 31-point charter.
“If BNP comes to power, the implementation of this 31-point plan will begin immediately, progressing systematically for continuous improvement,” he asserted.
He further added, “The true victory for BNP leaders and activists will be when we successfully execute this 31-point charter.”
Criticising the irregularities across various sectors during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, Tarique Rahman accused the Awami League of crippling the country’s economy, education system, development, and democracy, while rendering the electoral process meaningless.
Special guests at the event included BNP Khulna Divisional Organising Secretary Anindya Islam Amit and Assistant Organising Secretary Jayanta Kundu. Several other BNP leaders, including District BNP General Secretary Monirul Islam, Senior Vice President Zulfikar Ali Mondal, Organising Secretary Shahriar Rizvi George, Joint General Secretary Ali Hasan, Narail Sadar Upazila BNP President and valiant freedom fighter Mustafizur Rahman Alek, General Secretary Mujahidur Rahman Palash, Lohagara Upazila BNP President Ahduzzaman Batu, Kalia Upazila BNP General Secretary SM Wahiduzzaman Milu, Narail Pourasava BNP President Telayet Hossain Babu, and General Secretary Khandaker Fosiar Rahman, also spoke.
Tarique Rahman claimed that the Awami League had relentlessly persecuted opposition leaders and activists through killings, false charges, and enforced disappearances.
“For nearly 16 years, the Awami League and its allies have deprived people of their right to free expression, imposing complete misrule through undemocratic means,” he added.
He went on to say that Sheikh Hasina clung to power by robbing the people of their voting rights, but a mass uprising by students and the general public ultimately forced her to step down, leading to her departure from the country.
Tarique Rahman pointed out that the people now look to BNP to restore their voting rights and freedom of speech.
“It is crucial for everyone to unite in reclaiming the right to live with dignity and to restructure the state,” he urged.
Highlighting the contributions of BNP founder, the late President Ziaur Rahman, and its chairperson, Begum Khaleda Zia, he noted that both leaders faced numerous challenges while striving to establish democratic and political rights for the people.
“They encountered significant obstacles while working to educate children, generate employment, boost food production, expand industrialisation, and ensure economic prosperity,” he added.
Reaffirming BNP’s commitment to multi-party democracy, Tarique Rahman said, “BNP, founded by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, has always stood by the people in the past and will continue to do so in the future.”
He also emphasised that it was under Khaleda Zia’s leadership that parliamentary democracy was established in the country.
“The BNP government ensured press freedom, improved women’s education, and created substantial employment opportunities by establishing industries,” he remarked.
Tarique Rahman alleged that various groups, both domestically and abroad, were engaged in propaganda to tarnish BNP’s image. “We will counter them politically,” he asserted.
However, he stressed, “Our foremost responsibility is to uphold the trust of the people. To do so, we must change our approach and have confidence in bringing about positive transformation.”
The conference was inaugurated by BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Aman Ullah Aman, with Narail District BNP President Biswas Jahangir Alam presiding over the event. As part of the occasion, national and party flags were hoisted, and pigeons and balloons were released.