Tarique urges swift elections, rejects reform debates
Staff Reporter :
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has called on the government to prioritise holding national elections without being sidetracked by unnecessary discussions on reforms.
“If we continue engaging in pointless debates over reforms, the fundamental issues of the state may be overshadowed.
Instead of wasting time on irrelevant discussions, elections should be organised without delay,” he stated on Monday while addressing a conference virtually at the Khulna Circuit House grounds, organised by the district metropolitan BNP.
Tarique stressed that democracy becomes more transparent through continuous practice.
“This is precisely why the BNP ensures that its leaders are elected through a democratic process,” he added.
He further stated that if the BNP assumes power, it will prioritise developments in key sectors such as women’s empowerment, education, agriculture, and healthcare.
He urged the interim government to focus on these critical issues.
Emphasising the need for political unity, he warned against the resurgence of fascism and called for vigilance.
“Those who fled the country will attempt to disrupt our unity, but we must remain alert,” he cautioned.
Tarique also urged those who have been opposing the Awami League for over 16 years to avoid internal conflicts over trivial matters.
Accusing the Awami League of dismantling democratic institutions, he asserted that restoring people’s voting rights through a free and fair election should be the foremost priority.
Expressing confidence in BNP’s electoral prospects, Tarique claimed that his party would secure victory in a fair election.
He urged BNP members to support the people in both good and difficult times, acting with responsibility and integrity.
He further alleged that during the struggle to restore democracy, thousands of BNP leaders and activists were either killed or disappeared, while several lakhs faced fabricated charges.
Recalling the sacrifices made during the July-August 2024 uprising, he stressed the need to honour the memory of the 2,000 students and citizens who lost their lives.
Calling for collective efforts to enhance food security, education, infrastructure, and healthcare, Tarique accused the Awami League of driving the country to ruin and insisted that rebuilding from this devastation is now imperative.
The event was presided over by Khulna City BNP Convener Advocate Shafiqul Alam Mona, with BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council Member Amanullah Aman, Party Vice Chairman Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Organising Secretary Aninda Islam Amit, and Student Affairs Secretary Rakibul Islam Bakul among the attendees.