BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday called on political parties to present proposals to the nation to solve the problems of the people in addition to reforming the state structure and institutions. At an iftar event, he said, “Instead of just discussing the caretaker government system, the structure of the constitution, voting and electoral system, more emphasis should be placed on how to solve the problems of the people.”
The Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM) organized this iftar mahfil in honor of the political parties at the Bangladesh Shooting Sport Federation Convention Hall in the capital.
According to Tarique Rahman, there should be discussions and proposals on price control of daily necessities, market system and production system. There should also be a debate among political parties on how to ensure primary healthcare for the people in this densely populated country of about 200 million people. “Why are we not talking about these issues?”
He also asked, “Will the formulation of laws and rules to restore the caretaker government and the limitation of two terms as prime minister of an individual be considered reforms?” ‘Aren’t reforms needed to change the market system, increase production and improve healthcare and education systems?’
For political parties to serve the people, the BNP leader said, they should also pay attention to other important issues related to public interest.
‘For example, most of the people of the country are suffering immensely due to the increase in the prices of essential commodities. Why are political parties not discussing ways to solve this problem?’ he asked.
Tarique Rahman said that political parties should present plans and proposals to the nation on how to keep the prices of goods within the purchasing power of the common man by reforming the market system and increasing production. ‘Why don’t we discuss these issues? They should be presented before the nation.’
He admitted that different democratic political parties have different political ideologies, but their common goal is to restore democracy and build a humane Bangladesh where people enjoy freedom of expression.
The BNP leader said that his party, along with many other democratic parties, has been agitating to restore the rights taken away from the people. ‘We have succeeded in this effort. But, reforms are now the most talked about issue.’
Tarique Rahman reminded that political parties including the BNP had formulated a 31-point reform outline and presented it to the nation. ‘We did this about two and a half years ago, when many were not talking about reforms,’ he said.
He said they welcome different opinions and proposals on state reforms, as they are interested in discussing issues related to the welfare of the country and the people. ‘The discussions that are currently going on about reforms are definitely necessary.’
The BNP leader said that discussions are now going on for and against the introduction of a bicameral parliament, term limits for a person to be prime minister, ensuring a balance of power between the president and the prime minister, and restoring a caretaker government. ‘We have said that if we form a government with the support of the people, we will implement these changes according to their wishes.’
‘Let us think about the problems of the people and talk about them. Let us try to highlight what reforms we have in this regard,’ he said.
Tarique Rahman admitted that political parties would criticize each other.
‘However, we must avoid creating a situation where, in criticizing each other, we forget to solve the problems of our people and the country, making trivial issues more important. If this happens, the potential of this country will be ruined,’ he warned.
He said that reforms are also essential for reforming the country’s education system. If we fail to establish a proper education system for future generations, how can we take this country forward? How can we build a prosperous nation?’
The BNP leader said that each party should inform the people about its plans and proposals for reforming the education system. “We are in favor of a production-oriented education system, but perhaps we should give details of it.”
Tarique Rahman also said that it is important for political parties to present reform proposals to address environmental pollution as the country faces serious environmental threats.
‘I believe that environmental reform proposals are very important at this time. Due to noise pollution, air pollution and other types of pollution, millions of people, including children, are becoming physically ill every year. “Our plan to protect the entire country, including the capital, from this pollution should be presented to the nation by all political parties,” he said.
The BNP acting chairman said that political parties should also raise the issue of necessary reforms in issues such as creating a conducive environment for industrialization, providing safe water and addressing the power and energy crisis.
NDM Chairman Bobby Hajjaj, Tarique Rahman’s political advisor Mahdi Amin, AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju and Nagorik Oikya leader Shahidullah Kaiser, among others, spoke at the event.
