BNP will enforce strict anti-corruption measures if elected: Anee

The BNP will adopt a zero-tolerance policy against corruption if it returns to power, the party's Joint Secretary General Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee has said.

The party will take the toughest measures not only within the administration but also beyond it to curb corruption, he said at a "Meet the Reporters" event at Dhaka Reporters Unity today (26 June).

Anee said corruption and misgovernance have severely damaged the country's social fabric. "Since independence, we have witnessed widespread corruption within the administration to varying degrees."

He added, "Certain individuals, including some with political ties, have fuelled this malpractice. However, over the past 17 years, corruption reached unprecedented levels."

Anee said, "Corruption under Hasina's leadership was thousands of times worse than before." He described Hasina's regime as far more fascist and authoritarian than her father's.

"We call Ershad a dictator, but Hasina is a fascist," he added.

He warned that if corruption is not halted, Bangladesh is heading towards a cliff's edge, adding, "To save the country, corruption must be stopped immediately."

Highlighting BNP's 31-point plan, Anee said the party is ready to take firm steps to eradicate corruption under the leadership of acting chairman Tarique Rahman. 

"This is a difficult challenge for BNP, but we are prepared to face it head-on," he said.

Responding to questions about Tarique's return to Bangladesh, Anee said preparations are underway both in London and Bangladesh to welcome him, and his return is expected very soon.

On the selection of BNP candidates for the upcoming election, Anee explained that the party's standing committee, acting chairman, and chairperson are managing the process. 

"We have requested them to conduct independent surveys. The candidate who is the most popular, suitable for the constituency, politically experienced, and self-sacrificing will be chosen," he said.

He also contrasted BNP's politics with those of former president Ziaur Rahman, saying Zia focused on development and his own political agenda. 

He noted Zia was in power for just three and a half years between 1971 and 1981. "There was no fascist or authoritarian politics in Ziaur Rahman's or Begum Khaleda Zia's leadership. BNP has never played the role of a fascist force."

Anee alleged that between 2001 and 2006, when BNP was in power, many conspiracies targeted the party. "Neighbouring countries conspired against Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman," he said. 

Asked about BNP's foreign policy plans if elected, Anee said the party would maintain friendly ties abroad without being subservient. 

He recalled Ziaur Rahman's role in founding Saarc, which aimed to resolve issues through dialogue. "The Awami League government rendered Saarc ineffective by favouring one country over others. We hope to reactivate Saarc fully in the future."

He added that under the acting chairman's foreign policy vision, BNP would pursue separate diplomatic approaches for China, the US, the UK, and neighbouring countries.