BNP, Jamaat push for quality change in politics
Abu Jakir :
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami are working to reshape Bangladesh’s political environment through comprehensive reform proposals aimed at addressing the aspirations of the recent student and mass uprisings.
Both parties are striving to bring about qualitative changes that would ensure a stable, democratic, and just society where fundamental rights and freedom of speech are guaranteed.
BNP leaders have indicated that the party is currently preparing a detailed reform proposal.
Although they have not yet formally presented it, they have disclosed that their plan will be based on a 31-point outline.
The focus will be on creating a ‘rainbow nation,’ inclusive of people from all political affiliations and opinions, should they come to power.
The party’s vision is to address the deep-rooted issues within the country’s political framework and to establish a balanced democratic system that truly serves the people.
Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman emphasised that change must go beyond merely shifting state control from one government to another; it must involve a complete transformation of the political and state structures.
He highlighted the importance of empowering the people politically and economically as a foundation for sustainable reform.
Tarique Rahman stressed that public participation is essential for meaningful state reform and that establishing an accountable government through free and fair elections is crucial to achieving a sustainable democratic system.
The BNP’s proposed 31-point agenda, which they are preparing to unveil, includes several major reforms.
Among these are the formation of a Constitutional Reform Commission to re-establish democratic rights, the creation of a National Reconciliation Commission, and the reintroduction of a neutral caretaker government system to ensure impartial and transparent elections.
Additionally, the proposal aims to establish a balance of power among the branches of government, including the legislature, cabinet, presidency, and judiciary, as well as to limit the prime minister’s tenure to a maximum of two consecutive terms.
BNP leaders have underscored that their party is not only focused on national reforms but also on internal changes. BNP Standing Committee Member Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain stated that the party is committed to evolving in line with the aspirations of the youth and the people’s uprising.
He expressed confidence that grassroots leaders and activists would embrace these changes, as instructed by Tarique Rahman, who has emphasised the importance of connecting with the public and working towards the vision of a new Bangladesh.
Dr. Hossain further acknowledged that while the BNP, as a major political party, has a responsibility to drive these national reforms, it must also address issues within its own ranks.
He admitted that certain dishonest elements within the party had been involved in extortion, but assured that the BNP is taking strict organisational and legal actions against those individuals to maintain its integrity and uphold its commitment to the public.
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami has taken a step forward in presenting its reform proposal. At a recent press conference held at Hotel Westin in Gulshan, Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, the party’s Naib-e-Amir, outlined a 10-point proposal for an interim government.
This proposal focuses on the reform of key state institutions, including laws, the judiciary, parliament, and the electoral system. Jamaat’s Amir, Shafiqur Rahman, and other senior leaders were present at the event, signaling the party’s commitment to political change.
Shafiqur Rahman explained that the party’s comprehensive reform agenda actually consists of 41 points, but they have condensed it into 10 key points for the interim government’s immediate focus.
These condensed proposals are designed to stabilise the political situation before the next elected government assumes power, at which time the remaining aspects of their agenda will be addressed.
Shafiqur Rahman stated that their main objective is to create a fair and just society where the rights of all citizens are ensured. He emphasised that their reform proposals aim to prevent political unrest during the transfer of power.
Highlighting the political crisis the country faces, which he described as a threat to democracy, he argued that the caretaker government system, previously scrapped by the Awami League, must be reinstated to ensure smooth and credible elections.
Rahman also pointed out the importance of holding the country’s leadership accountable.
He mentioned that when parties transition from the opposition to power, they often shift their stance drastically.
He stressed that Jamaat’s proposal aims to create a system that maintains consistency and accountability, regardless of which party is in power.
Both the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami are pushing for significant changes in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
While the BNP is still finalising its comprehensive proposal, Jamaat’s announcement underscores their readiness to engage with the public and other political parties to build a stable and democratic society.
As these parties prepare to unveil their plans and take action, their proposals will likely play a critical role in shaping the future of Bangladesh’s political landscape.
The coming months are expected to be crucial as the opposition parties strive to align themselves with public demands and the aspirations of the youth, who have played a central role in the recent mass movements.