Swift action will be taken to rectify government's mistakes: BNP's Salahuddin

BNP is planning to take swift measures to rectify the government's mistakes and pave the way for a democratically elected political administration, said BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed.

"We will take some immediate steps to correct the government's mistakes and put the country on the right track towards democracy. The government may see it as a movement or criticism," he said at a discussion titled "July Uprising: Media and Journalism" at the National Press Club today (29 January). 

He further said, "The rule of law in Bangladesh will be determined by its people, not by any external force. There will be differences of opinion, but decisions must be made in Bangladesh's interest." 

Ahmed acknowledged that no government is infallible and must be criticised constructively.

"The key questions today are: what reforms do we need, and when do we want elections? If we want to make this government accountable, we must criticise and guide it. If necessary, we may even take to the streets to ensure the government follows the right path." 

He also pointed out that it's been 14 days since the reform commissions have submitted their reports, but no steps have been taken to engage with political and social groups.

"Not everything in the reports is feasible—some ideas are utopian, and some do not align with Bangladesh's political and social culture. The commissioners are human, their suggestions will not be 100% correct, that's why we need discussion."

Ahmed further noted that the constitution's preamble now mentions 2024 alongside 1971, questioning whether other movements should be equated with the Liberation War.

"Placing anything alongside the independence struggle requires extensive discussion." 

The discussion was also attended by Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur, Dhaka Union of Journalists President Shahidul Islam, and National Press Club General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan.