Staff Correspondent, Dhaka
Mentioning that there is no reason to be worried if a few more political parties emerge in Bangladesh, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said those who fear the people’s verdict are spreading confusion about the next national election.
“More new political parties may emerge in the country, if necessary. This’s a democratic practice and there’s nothing to be upset about. BNP welcomes all democratic initiatives that serve the needs of the state and politics," he told a discussion.
Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal organized the program at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), marking its 46th founding anniversary.
The BNP student body observed the day with various activities, including placing a wreath at the grave of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, organising a blood donation camp at the IEB, and holding an inter-hall badminton competition at Dhaka University.
Since BNP’s birth, Tarique said, their party has always been in favour of the practice of multi-party politics and diverse opinions in all situations and at all times.
"In this regard, BNP's stance is very clear that the people will give their verdict through the election, determining which party they accept or reject. But it’s only those who are afraid to face the verdict of the people's court or who have ulterior motives create confusion about the arrangement of election,” he observed.
The BNP leader urged democracy-loving people not to lose patience but to start preparing mentally for the election. "Keep faith that the Election Commission will properly perform the duties it has been entrusted with.”
He also called upon BNP leaders, activists, and supporters not to be confused by the malicious campaigns against the party and the election. "But be careful and don't involve yourselves in any activity that might give others the opportunity to spread negative propaganda against the party.”
"Keep yourselves in people's confidence and do your best to maintain that trust," Tarique advised the party rank and file.
Addressing the programme, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the people of the country established the interim government by overthrowing the fascist regime through the July-August mass uprising.
He expressed the hope that the interim government will hold a credible election by completing minimum necessary electoral and financial reforms.
Fakhrul said the persisting problems in the country can be resolved only by establishing an elected government through a fair and acceptable election.
The BNP leader also said various conspiracies are being hatched against the country and against the BNP both at home and abroad, similar to the past. "No conspiracy can split or weaken the BNP like in the past.”
He urged BNP and JCD leaders and workers to confront all conspiracies with their intellect. "We must mount strong resistance against all conspiracies.”
Fakhrul said BNP seeks reforms, as the party was founded on the principles of state reforms and the introduction of multi-party democracy by its founder Ziaur Rahman.
"It is not true that BNP does not want reform. We have presented reform proposals at various times. Reform is an ongoing process, but elections cannot be delayed in the name of reforms," he said.
