Acting Chairman of BNP Tariq Rahman said, 'In the last 16 years, the power of myself, my party and the pro-democracy side, as well as the freedom of speech, freedom of expression and freedom of association of many of you, has been completely taken away. With that understanding, we will ensure the freedom of expression of all citizens, especially human rights activists, journalists and social influencers, inshallah.'
Acting Chairman of BNP said these things in a discussion meeting held at a hotel in the capital on Thursday (November 14) focusing on the 31 points formulated with the aim of reforming the state.
Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir presided over the discussion meeting titled '31-point state structure repair outline and civic thinking'.
Tariq Rahman said, “Our goal is to build a state structure where no one will be harassed for expressing their thoughts on YouTube, Facebook and other online platforms, or for commenting on important people including the Prime Minister.”
Just as the mainstream and social media will not be forced to hide the truth, the government will not pressure anyone to spread false information. But nation-building is everyone's responsibility and we expect a neutral and responsible role from the media.'
“The culture of fear that has been built up over the last 16 years through extrajudicial killings, disappearances, excessive use of force, politically motivated cases and trials, mass arrests without warrants and gross human rights violations, the BNP government, if elected, will do its best to eradicate it. According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights made by the United Nations, we will try to ensure the human rights and fundamental freedoms of every citizen.
‘Capital will come at its own pace’
The top leader of BNP said, 'If we can bring a rules-based state structure, private investment and private capital from all over the world will come to Bangladesh at their own pace. Will work shoulder to shoulder with our public sector, will play a role in the development and production of the country.
'We want to ensure that in future Bangladesh, no person, not even the Prime Minister, will be able to abuse power by being arbitrary. From the highest level of the state to every level of government, it will be ensured that no one is above accountability, no one is above the law.' He said.
Expressing the commitment on behalf of BNP, Tariq Rahman mentioned that if BNP gets the responsibility of running the state, we want to return the freedom of expression to every citizen regardless of party affiliation. He said, 'Just like two decades ago, during the BNP government, the media in Bangladesh could fearlessly criticize the government and draw cartoons.'
Tariq Rahman said, 'You must remember, about me and the then Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, a section of media published baseless news, media trial and propaganda campaign. But we have not suppressed the voice of any media, harassed anyone, sent any editor to jail in return.'
He said, 'Change of power does not just mean transfer of state power from one party to another party. Rather, the change of power should usher in a political culture that reflects the changing conditions of society and the aspirations of the people.'
What has BNP done in three ways?
Acting chairman highlighted the situation of his party and said, 'After the fall of fascism, the national leaders of BNP have taken many initiatives in the last 3 months – to bring about modernization in politics. Those initiatives have been nurtured across the country by the enthusiasm of the youth.
As a result, you have seen how the leaders and workers of BNP have stood by the people with maximum organizational strength and help during the floods, just like in the past. Trying to provide sincere support to the martyred and injured families in the uprising. Motorcycles are refraining from processions to avoid public nuisance. After the political program the place is cleaned and cleaned. Removing banners and posters from city walls. It is trying to accelerate people-oriented and social-friendly politics.
Referring to Sheikh Hasina's 16-year rule, he said, “Even though Awami League leaders and workers are involved in crimes like murder, assault, rape and extortion, there is no party history of punishing them. It can be seen from the recent events, even after killing more than one and a half thousand democracy-loving people in the mass coup, no leader of Awami League has any remorse, remorse or self-criticism.'
He said that there are false cases against 60 lakh BNP leaders and workers.
“Still, if someone is involved in a crime isolated using the name of such a large organization, we have taken quick organizational action as soon as we know it. After August 5, the law and order situation in the country was broken, there was an absence of police. '
At that time, BNP stood by the side of the common people, kept the country safe, ensured public safety and stability of the state. It has countered violence and ensured coexistence without engaging in the politics of revenge.'
Tariq Rahman said that BNP leaders and activists guarded temples and places of worship to prevent the conspiracy of fascism's allies and stood by to protect all people including Hindus, Christians and Buddhists.
'Nationalism is the ideology of BNP politics. We believe – religion, party and opinion is for everyone, but the state is for everyone.'
‘By reform I mean the solution of unemployment’
Mentioning the contribution of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in 31 points, their eldest son Tarek said, 'The 31 point discussion we have here will redefine the socio-economic development of Bangladesh. The light of desire will show the changing masses.'
This framework for repairing the state structure was created based on the 19 points of Martyr President Ziaur Rahman, Vision 2030 of the country leader Begum Khaleda Zia, 27 points given first in the light of public involvement and political experience of BNP, which later became 31 points with the consensus of all political parties participating in the simultaneous democratic movement. .'
The Acting Head of BNP said, 'Currently almost all the reform proposals discussed in the country are included in our 31 points. I understand the purpose of reform to be that through reform, not a few sentences of the constitution, but a change in the destiny of the people. That is, a person's income will be arranged, his and his family's socio-economic security and savings will be ensured.
'I mean by reform that which will solve the unemployment problem of every man and woman through employment. Reforms that will ensure respect, freedom and empowerment of women.'
The BNP leader said, 'The reforms will ensure the safety of all people's lives. Reforms that will shape the nation's children with modern education and moral values. Reforms that will give people the healthcare they want. The reforms will stabilize the prices of daily necessities in the market. I mean reforms which will ensure fair and decent wages for farmers, laborers and all working people.'
