B Mirror Desk : Tarique Rahman, the Acting Chairman of BNP, urged the interim government to promptly declare a specific date for the national elections to avoid further complications. He made these comments during a virtual discussion from London, commemorating the eighth anniversary of the National Democratic Movement (NDM) on Saturday night, May 17.
Rahman emphasized that establishing a government accountable to the populace through their votes is essential to effectively challenge the ‘fallen and fugitive dictatorship.’ He expressed optimism that the interim government, untainted by greed and self-interest, would soon announce the election date and fulfill its duty to uphold the rights of the Bangladeshi people.
Furthermore, he noted that BNP and other political entities have been advocating for a clear roadmap regarding the interim government’s action plan since the outset, yet the government has not heeded this request. Instead, it has kept the election date announcement contingent upon a strategic balance of ‘less reform, more reform.’ As the public remains uninformed about the interim government’s intentions and plans, political instability is on the rise. Rahman pointed out that citizens from various sectors are taking to the streets daily with diverse demands.
After merely ten months, signs of instability are becoming apparent both within and outside the government. He warned that if the government fails to grasp the hopes and aspirations of the people, political unrest will escalate, making it increasingly challenging for the government to manage the situation. The NDM anniversary event at Lakeshore in Gulshan began with a welcome address from NDM Chairman Bobby Hajjat.
Tarique Rahman emphasized the necessity of establishing a government that is elected by and accountable to the populace. He acknowledged that, despite facing various criticisms within a democratic framework, it is ultimately politicians who govern the state. Both the citizens and political parties are prepared to take on the responsibility of governance by aligning with the people, which is a fundamental principle of democracy. In his remarks on the notion that ‘government is not an elite club,’ Rahman asserted that the government should not be viewed as an exclusive entity or a corporate body, but rather as a political institution.
It is essential to guarantee the active involvement of every citizen in political processes. He warned that promoting depoliticization by disregarding democratic culture and systems would lead to detrimental effects on the state, democracy, and its citizens. Regarding the 22-point recommendations from the NDM aimed at reforming the banking sector, Rahman described these suggestions as timely, logical, and pragmatic. He noted that political parties must gradually prepare themselves through the political process to effectively manage both the party and the government.
The party’s role is to govern the state with the people’s mandate, thus reinforcing the importance of empowering democratic political parties and adhering to democratic norms and regulations. He concluded that fostering democratic practices is crucial for strengthening the constitutional institutions of the nation. The event saw participation from leaders of various political parties, professionals, diplomats, July Movement activists, and NDM supporters.
