Will build a Bangladesh where not even PM can abuse power with impunity: Tarique Rahman

The BNP wants to build a Bangladesh where no individual – not even the prime minister – can abuse power with impunity, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman said today (14 November).

During a virtual address at a programme titled "31-Point Structural Reforms of the State and Citizens' Perspectives" in a city hotel, he said, "Accountability and transparency will be ensured at every level of the government, from the highest offices to the grassroots, so that we can reaffirm that no one is above the law. If entrusted with the people's mandate to govern, the BNP will restore freedom of expression for all citizens, regardless of political or organisational affiliation".

He also proposed amending the constitution to limit the tenure of prime minister to two consecutive terms, alongside having a balance of power between the legislative, judicial, and executive branches. 

Speaking about power changing hands, he said, "A transfer of power should not simply mean passing the state's governing authority from one party to another. Rather, it should usher in a new political culture that reflects the evolving landscape of society and the true aspirations of the people, particularly the younger generation."

He also proposed introducing a bicameral parliamentary system – where two legislative chambers share the power to make laws – to ensure representation and participation of the learned and accomplished professionals in governance.

On the issue of reforms, he said, "When I personally speak of reform, I envision transformative change that enhances people's lives – not mere revision to a few constitutional paragraphs. Reform for me means ensuring livelihood, socio-economic security, and savings for every family."

Speaking at the programme titled "31-Point Structural Reforms of the State and Citizens' Perspectives" at a city hotel, he said reforms must address unemployment by creating  jobs for men and women and reform must ensure the dignity, freedom, and empowerment of women. 

"Reform should guarantee the safety and welfare of all citizens. It must provide our youth with modern education and moral values. It has to deliver the healthcare system that people deserve. It must stabilise the market and control prices of essential goods and services. Reform needs to ensure fair wages for farmers, labourers, and people from every working segment of Bangladesh."

Emphasising that BNP's 31-point outline aligned with the meaningful change currently being sought, he said, " We take inspiration from the fact that, our 31-point proposal encapsulates all those popular ideas for reform, currently being discussed nationwide in various forums."

Tarique also said it was time to look forward. 

"Always being respectful to our national heritage and past achievements, our vision must be future-oriented, not buried in the past. We cannot afford to be bound by conventional governance; we must embrace modernization and innovation," he said.

Criticising the AL's crony capitalism, the acting chairman said the party wanted to ensure meritocracy at every layer of the nation-building process. 

He said the shared priority was now to establish a truly democratic Bangladesh.

"Our common goal is to re-build Bangladesh, a Bangladesh where fascist ideologies can never flourish, and a fascist dictatorship can never rise again," he added.