BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday pledged that his party will fully ensure the independence of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to effectively control corruption in the country if its returns to power.
“Today is International Anti-Corruption Day. We must pull the reins on corruption and we have the track record to do it. BNP has a proven record of controlling corruption,” Tarique said while speaking virtually at the closing session of the third day of BNP’s ‘Plan to Build the Country’ programme.
During the tenure of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, the BNP leader said the ACC was set up with a strong authority so it could investigate any corruption allegation related to the government without needing permission from anyone.
“It was completely independent. This shows how confident and committed Khaleda Zia was in fighting corruption. She made that commission fully independent. Insha’Allah, we will establish that same system again,” he said.
Tarique accused the ‘autocratic Awami League government’ of later changing the law, making government permission necessary before starting any corruption probe involving government officials. “If it is needed and if it is in the interest of the country, we will change that rule again. Let us pull the reins on corruption,” he said.
Tarique said BNP has a strong record in key areas, including food production, employment, the expansion of internet services and support for women’s education.
He said BNP also improved industry, ensured overseas jobs and strengthened the economy in the past. “Only BNP has the track record of success. Only BNP has the plans. Nice words cannot give people food. Nice words cannot create jobs. Development needs planning — and only BNP has that planning.”
Tarique urged party leaders and activists to take BNP’s plans to every village and every household, including women, young people, community elders and religious leaders.
“There is no time to sit quietly. We must go to the streets and reach the people. Everything — including the country’s independence, sovereignty and democracy — now depends on the BNP,” he said.
The BNP leader stressed the need for unity to restore democracy and protect Bangladesh’s future. “We must stand by the people. If we fail to unite the nation now, the very existence of our country may come under question in the future.”
Tarique said ensuring law and order is also crucial for the success of their development plans, claiming BNP always believed that no one should be above the law, even if the wrongdoer is from their own party.
He said people are tired of hearing constant arguments and political blame games in the media. “Voters now want clear answers about what a party will do for them. Students want to know what kind of education system they will get. Young people want clear guarantees about their future and employment.”
Tarique expressed strong confidence that BNP will be able to form the next government with the people’s vote, and he urged all party leaders and activists across the country to support that goal with full commitment.
The third day of the programme was inaugurated in the morning by BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate, with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair.
Leaders and activists of the Ulema Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal from across the country joined the session.
They received training on how to reach out to voters and explain BNP’s plans, election manifesto and promises ahead of the polls.