by
Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has reiterated his party’s commitment to state and political reforms aimed at building a Bangladesh that aligns with the aspirations of its people. Speaking at a recent event, Rahman emphasized the necessity of implementing long-term state reforms through a government elected by direct votes, a principle recognized globally in democratic societies.
Rahman criticized the current state of affairs under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing her of leaving the country in disarray. “Autocrat Hasina has fled, leaving the state, politics, education, culture, the economy, the public administration, the judiciary, everything in chaos. Leaving the country loan-dependent, import-dependent, dependent on others, Hasina has run away. Hasina alone hasn’t fled. Her unelected cabinet, all of her unelected MPs, even the khatib they appointed to Baitul Mukarram mosque, have all fled. After such an unprecedented reign of terror, the people want to forge ahead on the path of prestige and prosperity,” Rahman stated.
Highlighting the BNP’s vision for a reformed state, Rahman noted that transparency in the views and activities of political parties is crucial for effective state reforms. In 2023, the BNP announced a comprehensive programme for political reforms alongside state reforms.
The BNP’s 31-point roadmap includes proposals for an inclusive, non-discriminatory, and harmonious government based on Bangladesh nationalism. Key points of the roadmap include the introduction of an election-time neutral caretaker government, coordination between the executive, legislative, and judiciary to ensure a balance of state power, limiting the prime minister’s tenure to two consecutive terms, establishing a legislative assembly with an upper house, and considering amendments to Article 70 of the constitution.
Rahman concluded by expressing the BNP’s readiness to cooperate with the government to achieve these reforms and build a representational state that truly reflects the will of the people.
