BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has urged the party leaders and workers to take revenge on the Awami League, which has repressed them in many ways over the last 16 years, by implementing the party’s 31-point reform outline, rather than through any other form of retaliation.
"I personally believe in a principle that the implementation of the 31-point outline is the revenge on our repressors," he said while virtually addressing three workshops on Wednesday.
BNP's Jashore, Jhenaidah and Narail district units organised the programme separately to train the party leaders and workers on the party's 31-point state overhauling proposals.
Tarique 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 proposals,” he said.
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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, double food production, expand industrialisation, and ensure economic freedom.
“So, I think the revenge of all the leaders and activists of BNP will be successful on the day we are able to implement the 31-point outline on the soil of Bangladesh for its people. Only on that day will our revenge be successful against 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. What I mean by retaliation is the implementation of the 31-point outline.”
He said many people believe the BNP has the brightest prospect of running the country by winning the next election with the support of the people’s votes.
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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 and implement the 31-point state reform framework.
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 we must maintain the people’s trust in the BNP. It’s the responsibility of all BNP leaders and activists. We must change our mindset and be confident that we’ll be able to bring about change.”
He once again cautioned party leaders and workers that the path ahead is not smooth at all, amid the local and international plots against the BNP and the nation.
Besides, he said, the deposed fascist government has ruined the country’s economy and all institutions through theft, looting and corruption. “So, whoever comes to power in the days to come will face serious challenges in running the country. We’ll be able to face this challenge if we all remain united.”
Tarique said all BNP leaders and activists should avoid any activities that will destroy the trust of people in the party. “At the same time, all other parties with whom we waged the movement together, endured repression and faced imprisonment together must remain united to implement the 31-point, as it is the proposal of all democratic political parties.”
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As the biggest political party, he said, the BNP has the greater responsibility to maintain people’s confidence through positive activities and gestures. “Let’s take a vow to maintain the trust of the people at any cost… we have the greater responsibility to protect the country, its sovereignty, and its people, and to establish the political and economic rights of the people.”
Regarding the upcoming election, the BNP leader said the entire nation is waiting for a fair and acceptable election. “People are eager to bring the BNP to power. All our leaders and workers must earn the trust of the people to come to power.”
He also called upon all parties participating in the anti-fascism movement to remain united to prevent the revival of fascist forces.
Tarique also responded to various questions from the participants at the workshop from the three districts.
In response to a question, he said that if they return to power, they will take steps to ensure the rights of physically challenged individuals and provide them with a comfortable life.
The BNP leader mentioned that they also plan to arrange health camps soon at the divisional level to provide necessary treatment to people with disabilities.
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Tarique said they have a plan 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 the production of soybeans 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, including banks.