Urging the government not to take too much time in holding polls in the name of reforms, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said election is the only way to promptly implement the state-overhauling proposals by elected representatives.

Speaking virtually at a workshop on Sunday, he also warned that the country will fall into a deep crisis and the fallen fascists will reemerge if the election is delayed due to prolonged discussions on reforms.

BNP’s Dhaka South City Unit arranged the programme at Kadamtali Balur Maath in the capital’s Shyampur area to train party leaders and workers on the party’s 31-point state-overhauling proposals.

“We’re now hearing continuous discussions about reforms. We would like to tell those talking about reforms that BNP stands at the forefront in support of them,” Tarique said.

He said there is no alternative to holding elections and handing over power to the elected representatives to implement the reform proposals. "Elections are the only way to implement the proposals made by BNP or the interim government’s commissions.”

The BNP leader said only those entrusted with responsibility by people through elections will be able to begin the work on reform, and they must be the ones to start it.

Fakhrul, Khosru off to USA to attend National Prayer Breakfast

He said the further the government delays the election, the longer the reform implementation process will take.  “The work of implementing reforms must begin with those who are elected. Those elected will promise the people that, if given the opportunity, they will implement these reforms.”

Tarique said the faster reforms are implemented, the quicker it will be possible to protect the country and its people from danger. "I believe accountability to people can be ensured through elections... everyone must understand this."

He said some people ask whether all the country’s problems will be solved by holding just an election. “I say, no, not all problems will be solved immediately. But through elections, through the votes and decisions of the people, the party or persons given the opportunity to govern the country will gradually begin to untangle the knots and resolve the problems."

Tarique cautioned that the autocrats, driven out by all the people of Bangladesh, irrespective of political party or profession, will once again find an opportunity to re-establish themselves if the election process is delayed and discussions on reforms drag on for too long.

We don’t want to see any more extrajudicial killing: Fakhrul

“So, from a political party's position, I appeal to all wise and respected individuals in society who are talking about reforms not to prolong these discussions. The longer you extend talks on reforms, the deeper the country will fall into crisis. The longer you extend the discussions, the more opportunity the conspirators will have to plot,” he said.

Tarique also vowed that if their party is voted into power, they will try their utmost to fulfill the reform promises they have made to the people.

He said BNP wants to bring about a qualitative change in politics by implementing the 31-point proposals, alongside taking effective steps to keep commodity prices within the people’s buying capacity, ensuring fair prices for agricultural produce, and providing quality and cost-effective education and healthcare services.

Stating that traffic congestion and pollution are two major problems in Dhaka city, Tarique said effective steps must be taken, if BNP returns to power, to improve the traffic situation and air quality.

Democratic forces must stay united to move country forward: Tarique

He said it is not possible for any government alone to resolve all civic problems without the help of the people. “So, city dwellers must remain alert and play a responsible role in overcoming many civic problems. There are many such problems in the country, and we must take measures to address them gradually,” Tarique said.

He said the autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina destroyed institutions and plundered public money in the name of development, as it was not accountable to the people. “When public representatives are elected through free and fair elections, they remain accountable to the people.”

BNP seeks an election that’ll enable people to choose their govt: Tarique

Tarique said many of BNP’s leaders and activists have endured torture in the struggle to restore people’s rights. "To restore people's rights, accountability must be ensured, and accountability is ensured through elections."

From the national election to local body and institutional polls, he said, they must be held regularly after a stipulated time to ensure good governance.