BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged political parties to maintain unity against autocracy, aiming to restore democracy and implement the reforms in line with the desires of the country’s people.
"Let us preserve the unity with which we ousted the autocracy. Our utmost efforts will be to maintain and uphold this unity in the days ahead, and establish the democracy that the people of this country expect,” he said while virtually addressing an iftar party.
Tarique Rahman also said BNP and other parties will collectively implement the people’s desired reform process through discussions. “Let this be the vow we make at today's Iftar gathering.”
The 12-party alliance hosted the programme in honour of politicians and prominent citizens of the country at a city hotel.
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Tarique said political parties have different ideologies, but they are united when it comes to the issues of Bangladesh, its people and democracy.
“There is no difference among us on the fundamental issues…we must preserve unity at all costs. While there will be differences of opinion among us, we will sit down and discuss,” the BNP leader said.
He called upon the anti-fascist political parties not to say or do anything that could help revive the autocrats and their cohorts.
The BNP leader reminded the political parties that over the past 15 years they have lost many of their colleagues and loved ones in street movements, including during the July-August mass uprising, to restore democracy and people’s political rights.
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He said the people of the country generally understand democracy as a system where elections are neutral and individuals can exercise their rights to voting without fear. "This is also recognised as democracy worldwide.”
Tarique said BNP, together with other democratic parties, presented a 31-point proposal to reform the state structure with the aim of bringing about change two and a half years ago.
"Sadly, we see a situation is emerging where reforms and elections are being pitted against each other. Some people are saying that reforms must be completed first, and only then will elections take place. Personally, I believe, what is finished cannot be called reform. Reform is a continuous process," he said.
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The BNP leader said the shortcomings in the country's education system will be addressed and improved. “We will continue to enhance the system over time… The healthcare system available to the people will also be reformed and improved. As the situation evolves, we will strive to make it better further.”
The 12-party alliance chief Mostafa Jamal Haider presided over the programme while its spokesperson Syed Ehsanul Huda moderated the event.