BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has said that the interim government must not fail in any way and also urged people to remain alert to any provocations from home and abroad.
“The interim government must also be careful so that they don’t become the cause of their failure. The main task of this government is to move forward with the goal of forming a parliament through elections. Without a parliamentary government, no reforms will sustain,” he said.
Tarique Rahman came up the remarks while speaking virtually from London at a mammoth public rally as the chief guest held in front of the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office in the capital on Tuesday.
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) organised the public rally, marking the International Day of Democracy with the party’s secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in the chair.
In his speech, Mirza Fakhrul said the interim government must not fail in any way. “We have got an opportunity to establish democracy
in the country through the sacrifice of many students’ lives, we should not throw it away. Many ghosts of fascism are still within the current interim government. They are still hatching conspiracy to thwart the victory earned through mass uprising,” he said.
In his speech, Tarique said some activities of the current government may not be considered as a success by everyone. But it should be kept in mind that the interim government is the outcome of the mass uprising, he added.
“We all have to remember that if this government fails, it will be the failure of all of us and democratic people of the country. In any country, the government formed through mass uprising must be the people’s government. So, the people is cooperating with the interim government and will continue to do so,” said the BNP leader.
Referring to the reform process of the interim government, he said that all reforms should focus on establishing an elected parliament and a new government that truly empowers the people politically.
Tarique also said the accountability of the interim government at any stage is ensured through parliament. Therefore, the establishment of an elected parliament and government through political empowerment of the people should be the first and foremost target of all the reform activities of the interim government.
The BNP leader said only free and fair polls can ensure a direct partnership between the people and the state. “To ensure such an election, reforms must be brought in the Election Commission, public administration, and law enforcement agencies, enabling them to perform effectively,” he said, stressing that the reforms should be made based on the priority basis.
“If the interim government fails to act on the reforms, the mass movement will go in vein,” he added.
About the speculation over new political party, Tarique said it would not be wrong if anyone believes that new political parties are necessary for the development and safety of Bangladesh. “Ultimately, the people of the country will make the final decision. It is their right to decide whom they will support or reject. Therefore, the BNP has always laid emphasis on the importance of the people's vote,” he said.
Terming the ousted Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government ‘Mafia government’, Tarique said the Mafia government has not only destroyed the country economically, but also it destroyed all the constitutional and autonomous bodies. The Mafia government has also destroyed law enforcement agencies and the judiciary.The exploitation of Awami League government came to an end with the escape of Mafia chief. The main obstacles may have been removed, but the mess of the last 15 years has not been removed till now, he said.
Tarique also said that the interim government is working on the process of forming an elected government through fair election by removing the mess. The people should stand by the government in its efforts, he added.
The public rally formally began around 2:30 pm with the recitation from the Holy Quran.
Tousands of leaders and workers of BNP and its front organisations started gathering at the rally venue from noon from different parts of the capital with festoons, placards and posters in their hands. They joined the rally with processions from every ward in the capital.
They chanted slogans in the name of the BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman.
Nayapaltan and its surrounding areas were abuzz with slogans criticizing the dictatorial, fascist Sheikh Hasina. The entire Nayapaltan area vibrated with slogans.
BNP standing committee members and senior leaders of the party spoke at the rally.
Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (JASAS) leaders and workers performed dances and rendered songs in the rally.
