Real reforms must be done by real politicians, Tarique says; warns against delays in polls
“Those who believe reforms should come before the election must understand that for those reforms to be successful, people who are truly connected to the masses are needed," he said
Real reforms must be done by real politicians as state reforms will not succeed until the people's direct representatives are entrusted with the responsibility of running the country, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman said today (17 February).
"Those who believe reforms should come before the election must understand that for those reforms to be successful, people who are truly connected to the masses are needed. Without them, no reforms will be possible," he said after virtually joining a programme at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh.
He also warned that any delay in the election would only deepen the conspiracy against both the country and the government.
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Speaking at the programme aimed to provide financial assistance to photojournalists who were injured during the July-August mass uprising, he said it was the politicians, not anyone else, who presented the reform proposals to the nation over two years ago.
"If real reforms are to be made in this country, they must be carried out by real politicians," the BNP leader observed.
He said politicians must seek suggestions and opinions from professionals, intellectuals, and members of civil society to effectively run the state.
"Based on those suggestions, we will gradually move the country forward. But until the direct representatives of people are entrusted with the responsibility of running the country, no reform will be fully implemented in any way," he said.
Tarique also said those who have a direct connection to the people can understand their desires and move the country forward in line with the people's wishes.
He said the country's people want Bangladesh to be built by ensuring their basic rights and economic freedom.
He said political freedom is essential for economic freedom and for building a discrimination-free Bangladesh. "To achieve this, voting rights and the guarantee to exercise the right to franchise must be ensured,"
The BNP leader said it will not be possible to secure the country's independence and democracy overnight without ensuring the people's political and economic rights.
He said their party along with other democratic and like-minded parties had presented the 31-point reform proposals to overhaul the state two and a half years ago.
The BNP leader explained that they recognised the need for a proper guideline and strategy to rebuild the country and restore its destroyed institutions. "That's why we presented the 31-point state rebuilding proposal.
In their 31-point proposals, he said, they also outlined plans to address the daily problems faced by the people of the country, alongside overhauling the state.
Tarique Rahman said around 80 photojournalists were injured and repressed during the July-August mass movement.
The BNP leader assured that they would stand by the injured journalists to the best of their ability.
