BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said that several agents of conspirators have infiltrated the party and urged its leaders to take strong action against anyone attempting to defame the organisation for personal gain.
“Our leaders and workers have maintained people's trust in the party despite immense repression and suppression. If anyone among us tries to ruin this trust for their own interests, I urge you to take stern action against them and suppress such people with strong hands,” he said while virtually addressing BNP’s three workshops simultaneously.
The workshop, titled "31-Point State Structure Reform Proposal and Public Engagement," was organised by the BNP Training Affairs Committee in Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Gazipur Divisions.
The Dhaka Division's programme was held at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh.
Over 2,500 grassroots leaders from the party's upazila, thana and municipality units participated in the workshops.
Accountable govt, functional parliament can safeguard people’s power: Tarique
Tarique Rahman urged party leaders at all levels to closely monitor the activities of their subordinates to ensure that no one can tarnish the reputation of the party for personal gains.
He said their party must return to power with the support of the people to implement their 31-point proposal and serve the public. "Our long struggle, sacrifices, and plans will be in vain if we fail to achieve this. We need the public's support to succeed.”
The BNP leader urged his party colleagues to follow the right path with the right actions. "We must avoid immoral activities. Instead, we must speak out against unethical practice and take a strong stance against misdeeds.”
He also called upon the party leaders and workers to take a vow to keep the people’s confidence at any cost.
Tarique said BNP now enjoys the support of the majority of the people in Bangladesh, making it the cause of jealousy among many political parties. "Many plots are also being hatched against our party.”
He asked party leaders and workers to stay vigilant about the conspiracies being plotted against them. "They have planted many agents within our party as part of these schemes. We must remain alert and cautious," the BNP leader warned.
He once again cautioned BNP leaders and workers that the next election will be tougher than any previous polls, despite their main opponent having weakened.
"We must prepare ourselves in such a way that we can overcome the challenges of this toughest election with the support of the people. Stay with the people and keep the people with you," he said.
Tarique said the main goal of their party is to change the fate of people and move the country forward. The country’s crores of people are looking to the BNP with a great hope as they have confidence in it, he said.
"People ask BNP leaders and workers when the election will be held. They ask you this question because they believe you can work for their welfare. They think their future and fate are tied to your actions," the BNP leader said.
People deserve to know state reform timeline: Tarique Rahman
He said that gaining the confidence of people is the greatest asset for any political party, leader, or worker. "If people trust you, it's a significant political achievement for you. It is also your duty to maintain that trust."
Describing every leader and worker of BNP as an ambassador of the party, Tarique said the people will judge the party based on their activities.
He acknowledged that, as a political party, it is natural for BNP to seek elections, and there is nothing wrong with demanding polls. “Those who can garner public support will govern the country."
The BNP leader, however, said they want a free and fair election where people can cast their votes freely. “BNP does not believe in nighttime elections or vote fraud. The right of the people to vote must be restored at any cost. The state should be reformed with the support of the people.”
Tarique also promised that if BNP returns to power, it will ensure press freedom and the protection of other rights for the people.
He said that their party, along with the people of the country, forced the autocratic government to flee. "Although the heads of the autocratic regime have escaped, many of its remnants still remain in the country and they’re hatching various schemes. We must remain alert about it.”