Staff Correspondent, Dhaka
BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council member Abdus Salam has questioned why the cases against the party’s acting chairperson Tarique Rahman cannot be withdrawn when Nobel Laureate Dr Yunus’s case could be resolved in a single day.
Speaking at a discussion organized by Jagrata Bangladesh at the National Press Club on Sunday, Salam said: “In today’s reality, just as this government is needed, Tarique Rahman’s presence is essential for building political resistance against dominance.”
The event was held to demand the withdrawal of what the BNP claims are false cases against Begum Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman, and other political leaders.
Salam criticized the government, saying: “The Awami League’s proxies have trapped the Yunus government in a traffic jam, and now it’s going in circles, unable to prioritize its actions. It is shameful that, three months after the incidents of August 5, students and the public had to protest against their injuries and suffering. The government has failed to focus on what is immediately necessary.”
He condemned the government’s focus on long-term projects like constructing 250 stadiums across the country, while neglecting urgent issues such as the rising cost of living, dengue outbreaks, and traffic congestion.
“Building stadiums is a long-term plan; it will take years. Right now, the government should focus on reducing prices of essentials like rice, lentils, oil, and water, especially with Ramadan approaching. Long queues behind TCB trucks reflect the dire state of people’s lives. This isn’t a good sign,” he added.
Salam also urged the government to ensure a fair election and hand over power to elected politicians. “Stop making plans for 2050. Do what’s necessary now. Focus on elections and resolving the immediate crises affecting the people.”
The BNP has been consistently critical of the government’s policies, accusing it of mismanagement and failing to address the pressing needs of the public.
