Mentioning that there is no reason to be worried if a few more political parties emerge in Bangladesh, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said those who fear the people’s verdict are spreading confusion about the next national election.

“More new political parties may emerge in the country, if necessary. This’s a democratic practice and there’s nothing to be upset about. BNP welcomes all democratic initiatives that serve the needs of the state and politics," he told a discussion.

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal organised the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), marking its 46th founding anniversary.

The BNP student body observed the day with various activities, including placing a wreath at the grave of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, organising a blood donation camp at the IEB, and holding an inter-hall badminton competition at Dhaka University.

Since BNP’s birth, Tarique said, their party has always been in favour of the practice of multi-party politics and diverse opinions in all situations and at all times.

"In this regard, BNP's stance is very clear that the people will give their verdict through the election, determining which party they accept or reject. But it’s only those who are afraid to face the verdict of the people's court or who have ulterior motives create various confusion about the arrangement of election,” he observed.

The BNP leader urged democracy-loving people not to lose patience but to start preparing mentally for the election. "Keep faith that the Election Commission will properly perform the duties it has been entrusted with.”

He also called upon BNP leaders, activists, and supporters not to be confused by the malicious campaigns against the party and the election. "But be careful and don't involve yourselves in any activity that might give others the opportunity to spread negative propaganda against the party.”

"Keep yourselves in people's confidence and do your best to maintain that trust," Tarique advised the party rank and file.

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As the “chief of the mafia regime of the Awami League” has fled the country, he said, it is now time for every political party to make efforts to transform Bangladesh into a democratic and humane country, free from discrimination, in line with people's desires.

To achieve this goal, the BNP leader said, the political parties must now present their respective political programmes and ideologies to the people, seeking public support in accordance with democratic practice.

"In such a situation, BNP, along with all patriotic people and political parties, considers the question of whether the reform or the election raised by some quarters to be nothing more than an ill-motivated and malicious argument. Rather, our party BNP believes that both reforms and elections are necessary for bringing about a qualitative change in the state, politics, and political parties," he said.

Tarique further explained that reforms are an inevitable and continuous process to make the existing system more relevant and up to date. "Similarly, elections are the most important and effective way to make the democratic system sustainable and institutionalised."

He said the opportunity to exercise the right to vote through elections ensures the political power of both the state and the people. "BNP believes that if the political and economic power of the people in the state is not secured, democracy, human rights, or political reforms will ultimately not be sustainable."

Tarique said the interim government has undertaken a number of important reforms and major reform programmes, as they are undeniably needed. "But if the daily suffering of the people is ignored under the guise of these reform programmes, the people may be forced to speak out in anger about the government's reform initiatives."

The BNP leader pointed out that questions have already arisen in the minds of the people regarding what steps the government has taken to dismantle the market syndicate created during the autocratic regime and bring the prices of essentials within the purchasing capacity of the people.

He also questioned why people still have to crowd the courts daily to deal with the lakhs of cases filed during the fascist regime.

Tarique warned once again that if the interim government fails to prioritise its reforms or adopted plans, conspirators will seize the opportunity to destroy the spirit of the 2024 mass uprising.

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He said the plotters have already made repeated attempts to destabilise the country. “The pro-democratic forces do not want to see the failure of the current government, which was founded on the blood of thousands of students. This is why BNP has continued to support this government as a pro-people political party.”

The BNP leader urged everyone to remain vigilant, ensuring that no imprudent decisions lead to the destruction of the hopes for a mass uprising. "In this regard, every leader and worker of the Chhatra Dal should remain alert and cautious."

He said students and youth can play a significant role in building a safe and self-reliant Bangladesh for future generations, rising above personal gain.

Tarique reminded the JCD leaders and workers that students are the key to building a knowledge-based society. "Students must be aware of the state and politics, but your first and foremost goal as student s should be to study, study and study."

Addressing the programme, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the people of the country established the interim government by overthrowing the fascist regime through the July-August mass uprising.

He expressed the hope that the interim government will hold a credible election by completing minimum necessary electoral and financial reforms.

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Fakhrul said the persisting problems in the country can be resolved only by establishing an elected government through a fair and acceptable election.

The BNP leader also said various conspiracies are being hatched against the country and against the BNP both at home and abroad, similar to the past. "No conspiracy can split or weaken the BNP like in the past.”

He urged BNP and JCD leaders and workers to confront all conspiracies with their intellect. "We must mount strong resistance against all conspiracies.”

Fakhrul said BNP seeks reforms, as the party was founded on the principles of state reforms and the introduction of multi-party democracy by its founder Ziaur Rahman.

"It is not true that BNP does not want reform. We have presented reform proposals at various times. Reform is an ongoing process, but elections cannot be delayed in the name of reforms," he said.