BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has urged party leaders and activists to work for the implementation of its 31-point reform outline.
He believes implementing the plan will be the best form of the BNP’s revenge on the Awami League for its suppressive activities in the 15 years of its rule.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel. Tarique made the remarks while virtually addressing workshops organised for the BNP’s Jashore, Jhenaidah and Narail district units today. The leaders and activists of the units received training on the 31-point state overhaul proposal.
The BNP acting chairman said that he and his family had endured the same persecution as BNP leaders and activists under the Awami League’s autocratic regime.
“Any repressed person wants to take revenge against their oppressors. You want it, I want it, and everyone wants it. But I think all the leaders and activists of my party will agree that I want to take that revenge by implementing our 31-point proposal,” he said.
Tarique said BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and current Chairperson Khaleda Zia faced obstacles in their efforts to establish people’s democratic and political rights, educate the country’s children, create employment, increase food production, expand industrialisation, and ensure economic freedom.
“So, I think the revenge of the leaders and activists of the BNP will be successful on the day we are able to implement the 31-point outline. Only on that day will we succeed in taking revenge on the undemocratic and evil forces who want to subdue Bangladesh,” he observed.
The BNP leader said they would begin implementing the 31-point proposal if they come to power, and it would be an ongoing process. “We will make it even better gradually.”
He said many people believe the BNP has the brightest prospect of running the country by winning the next election.
Tarique, however, said BNP leaders and activists at all levels must prepare themselves and change their mentality to bring about a positive change in the country.
The BNP leader warned that various quarters are preparing to malign the BNP and are spreading propaganda against the party both locally and internationally. “We’ll face them politically.
“But it’s the responsibility of all BNP leaders and activists to ensure that the people keep their trust in the BNP. We must change our mindset and be confident that we’ll be able to bring about change,” Tarique said.
Tarique also responded to various questions from the participants at the workshops.
In response to a question, he said that if the party returns to power, it will take steps to ensure the rights of the physically challenged individuals and provide them with a comfortable life.
The BNP leader said the party plans to arrange health camps soon at the divisional level to provide necessary treatment to people with disabilities.
Tarique said it also plans to establish a mechanism to ensure fair prices for farmers’ produce and maintain a balance between demand and supply by dismantling the syndicates.
“Action will be taken against market syndicates if they indulge in any foul play.”
He stressed the importance of increasing soybean production in Bangladesh to reduce dependency on foreign countries for edible oil.
Tarique also underscored the need for addressing the problems in the banking sector and restoring public confidence in it, as state reforms will be difficult without strengthening the financial sector.