Jamaat now represents the strength BNP once had under Ziaur Rahman: Taher

During Ziaur Rahman's time, BNP was a large political party in the country, and today, that position has been taken over by Jamaat-e-Islami, party's Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said today (7 November).

"We do not wish to say it, but we are compelled to hear it — today's BNP is not the party of Ziaur Rahman. To regain public trust, BNP must return to the ideals of him," he made the remarks while addressing a discussion meeting organised by the party's Dhaka South city unit to mark the "National Revolution and Solidarity Day".

Taher alleged that during Ziaur Rahman's era, BNP was a strong, people-oriented party, but his followers have since forgotten his ideals. "They no longer practice democracy; they don't understand people's sentiment, nor do they try to. They resist reform — but even if they don't want it, the people do."

"If BNP continues to ignore public sentiment, it could face the same fate as the Awami League," he warned.

Regarding the national referendum, Taher emphasised that it must be held before the national election. "Delaying it is pointless. No matter how much time is wasted in political manoeuvring, the referendum must come first — only then can the national polls follow," he said.

He urged the interim government to complete the referendum by November and hold the national election in February as per the National July Charter.

Referring to BNP's stance, Taher said, "Those who oppose holding a referendum before the national election are the same ones who feared the Dhaka University Central Students' Union [Ducsu] elections.

"They know that if local government polls are held before the national election, they will suffer a crushing defeat. That's why they are now opposing the referendum too," he added.