Curbing corruption, rule of law, accountability essential for any plan to succeed: Tarique
'Under any circumstances, we will give the highest importance to these matters,' he says
No development plan can succeed unless corruption is curbed and the rule of law and accountability are ensured, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman said today (6 February).
"Both as an individual and as a political activist, I believe that without taking strict action on corruption, the rule of law and accountability, it is impossible to implement any plan successfully," he said after unveiling the party's election manifesto at a city hotel in the capital.
Tarique added that if the BNP wins the election scheduled for 12 February and forms the government, its top priority will be to address these three issues, fighting corruption, establishing the rule of law and ensuring accountability.
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"Under any circumstances, we will give the highest importance to these matters," he said.
Ahead of the 13th national election, the BNP today unveiled its election manifesto, pledging to form a truth and healing commission and implement nine major commitments aimed at rebuilding the country over the next five years.
Announced under the banner "Korbo Kaj, Gorbo Desh" (We will work, we will build the nation), the 51-point manifesto carries the slogan "Shobar Ageh Bangladesh" (Bangladesh Before All).
It is divided into five chapters outlining what the party described as a governance roadmap if elected.
In its manifesto, the BNP has identified good governance as the top priority of state reform, with a strong focus on combating corruption and establishing the rule of law.
The party has proposed systemic reforms to curb corruption, including the introduction of open tender processes, real-time audits, and measures to prevent money laundering and recover laundered funds from abroad.
To enhance state accountability and transparency, the BNP has promised to appoint an ombudsman (Naypal).
The manifesto also commits to ensuring justice for all human rights violations, including those related to the July-August 2024 mass uprising, preventing enforced disappearances, and guaranteeing the effective independence of the judiciary.
Additionally, the party has pledged to depoliticise public administration and restore professionalism by forming an Administrative Reform Commission, promoting merit-based recruitment, and building what it describes as a "meritocratic Bangladesh."
The manifesto further proposes the establishment of a Police Commission to transform the police into an independent and citizen-friendly force, along with expanding online complaint mechanisms to strengthen accountability.
