Staff Reporter :
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday vowed that his party would restore complete autonomy to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to effectively curb corruption if BNP returns to office.
“Today is International Anti-Corruption Day. We must tighten the reins on corruption – and we have a proven record of doing so.
BNP has shown before that it can control corruption,” Tarique said while virtually addressing the concluding session of the third day of BNP’s ‘Plan to Build the Country’ programme.
He said that during the tenure of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, the ACC was established with strong authority so it could investigate corruption allegations involving government officials without requiring permission from any authority.
“It operated as a fully independent commission. This is evidence of Khaleda Zia’s confidence and determination in fighting corruption. She ensured its complete autonomy. Insha’Allah, we will restore that same system,” he added.
Tarique accused the “autocratic Awami League government” of later amending the law in a way that made prior government approval compulsory before initiating a corruption inquiry against public servants.
“If necessary and if it serves the national interest, we will reverse that amendment. Corruption must be restrained,” he said.
Highlighting BNP’s past achievements, Tarique said the party has an established record in food production, employment generation, internet expansion and supporting women’s education.
He added that BNP previously strengthened industries, created overseas job opportunities and boosted the national economy.
“Only BNP has a record of success. Only BNP has concrete plans. Beautiful speeches do not feed people.
Nice words do not create jobs. Development requires planning – and only BNP has such planning,” he stated.
He called on party leaders and workers to take BNP’s development vision to every household, engaging women, youth, community leaders and religious scholars.
“This is not a time for complacency. We must go to the streets and reach the people.
The nation’s independence, sovereignty and democracy now rest on the BNP,” Tarique said.
Emphasizing unity as essential to restoring democracy and safeguarding the country’s future, he warned, “We must stand with the people.
If we fail to unite the nation now, the very existence of our country may be questioned in the future.”
Tarique also stressed the importance of maintaining law and order to implement BNP’s development roadmap, reiterating that no one should be above the law – not even members of their own party.
He said the public is frustrated with endless political arguments and blame games in the media.
“Voters want straightforward answers. Students want clarity about the education they will receive. Young people want firm assurances about their future and jobs,” he noted.
Expressing confidence that BNP will form the next government with the people’s mandate, Tarique urged party leaders and grassroots activists to work with full dedication to achieve that goal.
The third day of the programme was inaugurated in the morning by BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi presided over the session.
Leaders and activists from the Ulema Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal participated from across the country, receiving training on how to communicate BNP’s plans, election manifesto and pledges to voters ahead of the upcoming polls.
