BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday urged political parties to present proposals to the nation to address public issues, rather than focusing only on reforms to the state structure and institutions.
"Instead of merely discussing the caretaker government system, the constitutional framework, and the voting and electoral system, there should be more emphasis on how the problems of people will be resolved," he said during an iftar programme.
The Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM) organised the iftar party in honour of political parties at the Bangladesh Shooting Sport Federation Convention Hall in the capital.
Tarique believes that, just as there should be discussions and proposals regarding the control of prices for essential goods, the market system, and the production system, there should also be debates among political parties on how to ensure primary healthcare for the people in this populous nation of approximately 200 million. "Why aren’t we talking about these issues?"
He also said whether formulating laws and regulations to restore the caretaker government and limiting any individual to two terms as Prime Minister are considered reforms. "Isn’t reform necessary to change the market system, boost production and improve the healthcare and education systems?"
As political parties are meant to serve people, the BNP leader said they should also focus on many other critical issues related to the public's interests.
"For example, most people in the country are suffering severely due to the rising prices of essential items. Why are political parties not engaging in discussions on how we will address this issue?" he asked.
Tarique said political parties should present plans and proposals to the nation on how they will keep commodity prices within the purchasing power of the common people by overhauling the market system and boosting production. "Why don’t we discuss these issues? We should address them before the nation.”
He acknowledged that different democratic political parties have varying political ideologies, but their common goal is the restoration of democracy and the creation of a humane Bangladesh where people will enjoy freedom of expression.
The BNP leader said his party, along with many other democratic parties, had led movements to restore the rights taken away from people. "We succeeded in this endeavour. But, reform is now the most discussed issue, as much is being said about it.”
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Tarique recalled that the political parties, including the BNP, had drafted a 31-point reform outline and presented it to the nation. "We did this around two-and-a-half years ago, when many others were not talking about reforms," he said.
He said they welcome various opinions and proposals regarding state reform, as they are open to discussing issues related to the welfare of the country and its people. "The discussions currently taking place about reforms are certainly necessary.”
The BNP leader said discussions are now taking place on the pros and cons of introducing a bicameral parliament, limiting an individual's terms to become Prime Minister, ensuring a balance of power between the President and the Prime Minister, and restoring the caretaker government. "We have said we will implement these changes in line with people’s desires if we form the government with their support.
“Let us think about the problems of people and talk about them. Let us try to highlight what reforms we have in this regard as well,” he said.
Tarique acknowledged that political parties will inevitably criticise each other realistically.
“But, we must avoid creating a situation where, in our criticism of each other, we forget to address the issues facing our people and the country, allowing insignificant matters to become more important. If this happens, the potential of this country will be ruined,” he warned.
He said that reform is also essential for overhauling the country’s education system. “If we fail to establish a proper education system for future generations, how can we possibly move this country forward? How can we build a prosperous nation?”
The BNP leader said each party should inform the public about their plans and proposals for reforming the education system. “We advocate for a production-oriented education system, but perhaps we should provide more details on what that entails."
Tarique also said it is urgent for political parties to present reform proposals to combat environmental pollution as the country is facing severe environmental threats.
"I believe reform proposals on the environment are crucial at this moment. Due to noise pollution, air pollution, and other forms 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 by all political parties to the nation,” he said.
The BNP acting chairman said political parties should also address necessary reforms related to issues such as creating an environment conducive to industrialisation, providing safe drinking water and tackling the power and energy crisis.
NDM Chairman Bobby Hajjaj, Tarique Rahman’s political adviser Mahdi Amin, AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju, and Nagarik Oikkya leader Shahidullah Kaiser, among others, addressed the programme.