'Reform or election?' – such question is insincerity: Tarique

Highlights

• Tarique welcomes the emergence of new political parties in Bangladesh as a democratic practice
• He urges BNP supporters to prepare for the elections and maintain public trust despite negative propaganda
• Mirza Fakhrul Alamgir calls for electoral reforms for credible elections and resistance against conspiracies targeting the party

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has dismissed the question of "reform or election" as nothing more than insincerity with ill intentions.

"The BNP, the patriotic force, all people, and all political parties consider such questions to be malicious arguments," he said at a discussion marking the 46th founding anniversary of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh today (1 January).

Tarique argued that both reform and elections are essential for qualitative changes in state politics and political parties. 

He said that reform is a necessary and continuous process to update the existing system, while elections are the most crucial and effective way to sustain and institutionalise democracy. Through elections, people exercise their right to vote, which ensures political power for both the state and the citizens.

Paying tribute to the missing and martyred comrades, Tarique said, "The historic year of 2024 has ended, marked by the disgraceful downfall of the mafia dictatorship that had been oppressing our nation and its people. Today, a new year begins, full of opportunities to build a better Bangladesh." 

He also wished the student community a Happy New Year.

Tarique praised the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal for becoming a popular organisation despite challenges, saying, "Through intelligence and creativity, the organisation has built a positive image among students and the public." 

He also credited the sacrifices of student activists for the downfall of the mafia government, stating, "Thanks to the immense sacrifices and brave actions of countless student activists, the mafia government has been overthrown and forced to flee."

Tarique cautioned party members, "We must ensure that no hasty decisions ruin the hopes of a mass uprising," urging them to stay alert.

He also stressed the importance of students and youth, saying, "We must rise above selfishness to create a safe and self-reliant Bangladesh for future generations," and stressed the need for a knowledge-based society to make Bangladesh stronger and more influential globally.

Tarique still abroad as conspiracy unfolds again: Fakhrul

At the event, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir claimed that Tarique is staying abroad due to the return of a conspiracy that had previously forced him to leave the country. 

He said, "We have repeatedly said that, unfortunately, a game of conspiracy is afoot in the country once again. Due to this, our leader [Khaleda Zia] had to stay in jail for six years. Our acting chairman is still having to stay out of the country."

Fakhrul called for the interim government to hold elections soon, saying, "There's a political crisis and an election accepted by all can be the only solution to this." He also stressed the importance of reforms, but warned, "In the name of reform, we cannot allow something to happen, which will disrupt our democracy."

Fakhrul highlighted Chhatra Dal's role as the party's "front-line fighters" and urged them to focus on knowledge-based politics. 

He also encouraged increased social media engagement, saying, "We need to strengthen our presence in the digital world, especially on social media. If we fail in this, we will lose the battle."