True independence means ensuring people's rights: Chief whip

The Parliament's Chief Whip Nurul Islam said that true independence lies in ensuring people's right to livelihood, including fair recognition of their labour and earnings.

"A rickshaw puller's right to earn, a farmer's right to cultivate and proper valuation of their sweat and hard work, this is the real essence of independence. True independence means restoring people's rights," he said.

The chief whip made the remarks while speaking at a programme organised by the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Cultural Organisation at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia Hall of the National Press Club in Dhaka today (3 April).

Nurul Islam said that after a long democratic struggle, people have begun to enjoy the benefits of independence, and an example of good governance has been established under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

He added that ensuring the fundamental rights of citizens remain the government's top goal. Referring to past political developments, he noted that the BNP had to endure prolonged hardship despite citizens living better lives during former prime minister Khaleda Zia's tenure.

Additionally, the chief whip said that after its independence, Bangladesh faced severe famine and lawlessness. He credited former president Ziaur Rahman with taking responsibility during a critical time and introducing the canal excavation initiative, which helped overcome food shortages within just three years and enabled the country to export food to Senegal.

Regarding the ongoing debate of the implementation of the July Charter, Nurul Islam said no "ill-politics" surrounding the issue would be tolerated. He affirmed the BNP's support and commitment to implementing every aspect of it through a proper legal framework, ensuring no questions arise regarding the charter's legality.

The party's earlier demand for a proportional representation (PR) system, noting that such a system is not practised in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, or neighbouring democracies.

He also criticised the opposition, saying, "They are changing their positions one after another, sometimes demanding local government elections, sometimes reforms, and sometimes constitutional changes.

"Before the elections, they wanted a proportional representation (PR) system. This system is not practiced in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, or neighbouring democracies. They were saying that if PR is not given, the elections will not be allowed. But we made it clear then that the elections cannot be held on the pretext of implementing any particular unreasonable demand," the whip added.