BNP support may not continue if govt plans go beyond democratic means: Khasru

The BNP's support may not be sustained if the interim government has any plans beyond democratic means to achieve its objectives and the consequences will not be good, the party's Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said today (25 January).

"If there is any plan to achieve anything beyond democracy regarding the restoration of the people's ownership of Bangladesh and the transfer of power through elections, that will probably not be good. We'll continue our support for bringing back democracy. But, if you [government] want to do anything beyond that, the support is not going to last long," he said while speaking at a discussion.

Zia Parishad arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, titled "Shaheed Zia's Contributions to the Great Liberation War and the Building of Modern Bangladesh", marking the 89th birth anniversary of BNP founder and martyr President Ziaur Rahman.

Khasru said the interim government was established with the support of the entire nation and all political parties.

The BNP leader said they would continue to support the current government as it will ensure the peaceful transition of power to the next elected government. 

"This is the only purpose we're all supporting and cooperating with this interim government. There is no other agenda beyond this."

He said those who run the government should keep this in mind before making any decisions or statements, as it would help prevent any problems from arising.

A strong national unity is needed if Bangladesh is to emerge from the crisis it is currently facing, he said, adding, "We have to pull the nation out of the ditch it has fallen into with united efforts, upholding our unity."

He further said those who want to discover 'Ziaism' [Ziabad] do not have good intentions.

"We have never heard of the term 'Ziaism'…Those who oppose the BNP have discovered the term. I would like to clearly say that those who want to discover Ziaism do not have good intentions."

He said the BNP neither glorified Ziaur Rahman as a great human being, nor placed his statues on the streets, nor hung his posters in prominent places, despite being in power thrice.

The BNP leader said they kept Ziaur Rahman within the framework of party politics, discussing his activities and ideals.

Khasru also claimed that even when the BNP was in power three times at the state level, they never exploited Ziaur Rahman's name and reputation for political gains.

He said there are few leaders in the world who can be compared to Ziaur Rahman in terms of contributions to the Liberation War, nation-building, and state reform. 

"BNP was born for reforms. BNP has been reforming the state since its inception. BNP has implemented 90 percent of the reforms that have taken place in Bangladesh," Khasru said.

Six years ago, he said, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia presented Vision-2030, outlining various reforms, including limiting the tenure of any individual as Prime Minister to two terms, introducing a bicameral parliament, and ensuring a balance of power between the President and the Prime Minister.

"We developed these reform proposals with the post-Hasina era in mind. Yet, those who are now talking about reforms are essentially lecturing us with our own words," the BNP leader added.