BNP plans divisional rallies demanding roadmap for early election

Highlights

• Rallies to begin in early Dec, pressing for a clear election roadmap
• BNP aims to send messages to govt about its power, influence
• Another massive public gathering planned for 16 Dec
• BNP to rebrand 31-point proposal to gain public support for reforms
• Trained leaders to conduct workshops in divisional cities, key districts

Following their massive rally in the capital on 8 November, the BNP is planning similar demonstrations in 10 divisions to showcase their strength and press for a clear election roadmap.

Through the rallies, the party's senior leaders said they will also send a message to the government not to attempt to prolong its power under the guise of the state reform agenda and not to ignore BNP's political strength.

As per a decision made by the party's standing committee on Monday night, the rallies will begin in early December, with the schedule to be finalised on Wednesday in discussions with the divisional organising secretaries of the party.

The party also decided to stage another massive public gathering in the city on 16 December, marking Victory Day, either through a public meeting or a rally.

Besides, the party has decided to rebrand its 31-point proposal to create public opinion that the interim government should not waste much time under the pretext of reforms, as BNP has already outlined an acceptable framework for it.

Senior leaders of the party said that with the input of 42 like-minded political parties, BNP's 31-point reform proposal will become a blueprint for the governance of the country if the party returns to power.

BNP to relaunch 31-point proposal today 

The party is scheduled to relaunch the 31-point proposal at a city hotel today, as it seeks to take the reform outline to the people and gain widespread support.

As part of this initiative, the party is training its leaders and workers, as well as those from its associate bodies.

The trained individuals will inform the public in detail about the 31 points through workshops in divisional cities and key districts across the country. 

Simultaneously, the team will also gather feedback from people from different sectors, including experts, to further enrich the outline.

A BNP standing committee member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said their last two meetings thoroughly discussed reforms, the election, activities of the interim government, the current political situation, relations with Jamaat and other parties, as well as BNP's next course of action.

He said the BNP policymakers believe both state reforms and the electoral process should proceed in parallel.

"That's why the government needs to present a roadmap immediately. As long as this roadmap is not provided, the 'fear of election delay' among political parties will persist," the BNP leader said.

He also said the party believes the government should focus solely on electoral reforms, as it has no mandate to implement large-scale reforms.

The BNP leader also said their policymakers also suspect the government is increasing the number of advisers in phases as part of its strategy to remain in power for a longer period.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas said the interim government should immediately announce the election date and present a clear outline for state reforms, without resorting to any trickery. 

"The nation wants to know the election date. If the government leaves the nation in uncertainty, there is no reason for them to sit idly by and watch their mockery," he said.

Abbas believes that the government will take steps to hold the national election without unnecessary delay. 

"The people of the country did not accept an unelected government in the past, and they will not accept one in the future."

BNP Standing committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud said the current interim government has no scope to carry out reforms based solely on its own thinking and philosophy.

"They can only implement reforms that are agreed upon by all parties. Our BNP has no objection to this. They can carry out those few reforms that will help quickly restore a democratic order based on national consensus," he said.

Khosru said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia had presented a reform proposal through Vision 2030 in 2016, while Tarique Rahman had also proposed a 31-point reform plan based on the consensus of all the parties involved in the simultaneous movement over a year ago.

"The BNP not only presented the 31-point reform proposal based on unity, but also stated that it will be implemented by forming a national government, if the people support the party through the election," Khosru said.

He said the state reforms must be carried out based on national consensus, with the full support and confidence of the people. 

"This can only be achieved by an elected government."

BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said, "We want a roadmap for early elections. The government should announce the roadmap and eliminate the ambiguity surrounding the elections."