United News of Bangladesh

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru on Sunday urged the interim government to promptly unveil an election roadmap to reassure people that the country is moving towards elections and the restoration of democracy. “The suspicions and questions that have arisen among people due to the absence of a specific election roadmap will not bode well for the future of democracy and the electoral process,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting with the Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan. Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, said the people of the country are uncertain about when they will regain democratic governance and their rightful ownership of the nation through an election. “So, an election roadmap must be presented without delay to assure the public that the nation is on the path to restoring democracy. Election is the main vehicle of democracy,” he observed. As part of BNP’s liaison committee’s ongoing discussions with like-minded political parties on the next election, Khosru, along with BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku and Vice Chairman Barkatullah Bulu, held a meeting with a 10-member BJP delegation led by its Chairman Andalib Rahman Partha. Khosru said the government should move towards the election after formulating a national charter based on the reform proposals on which political parties have reached a consensus. “In Bangladesh, we are not going to establish Baksal. It’s a Baksal-like notion that everyone must agree on everything…different parties will have different philosophies, different thoughts and there will naturally be differences of opinion,” he said. BNP leader Khasru, 4 others acquitted in case under Special  Powers Act   The BNP leader also said there is no scope for reforms beyond the points of consensus among political parties. “To do anything outside of that consensus, one must come through the democratic process, the electoral process and with people’s mandate.” He said questions remain as to why the issues on which consensus has already been reached are not being presented before the nation. Khosru mentioned that all political parties have already submitted their reform proposals, and a considerable amount of time has passed since then, with discussions now concluded. He believes it should not take more than a week to identify where consensus has been reached among the political parties. “Inform the nation where the consensus has been reached, and based on that consensus, we can sign the charter and move forward with the elections. There is no scope for going beyond this,” the BNP leader said. “You have to tell the nation that you will proceed with a democratic transition. Preparations are necessary for the election both inside and outside the country,” Khosru said. He also said those who attended the recent investment summit raised a common question — when the election will be held. BJP Chairman Andalib Rahman Partha said their position is clear that a national charter should be drawn up based on the reforms on which there is consensus, and the country should proceed towards elections accordingly. Chhatra Dal promotes cleanliness at DU He said while fifty political parties may have differing opinions on various matters, the election cannot be delayed, nor can a murky environment be created, simply because of the expectation of complete unanimity. In response to a question, Partha said it is possible to hold the election before December. “I think the people now demand an electoral roadmap without further delay. I believe this government should now focus on that,” he said. This was the first meeting between BNP and BJP in six years, as Partha had left the BNP alliance after the 2018 election, opposing the party’s decision to join parliament. The BNP began discussions with its alliance partners on 17 April to work out its next course of action.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday questioned why the interim government has not acted against those, including Justice ABM Khairul Haque, ex-Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad and KM Nurul Huda, who aided Sheikh Hasina in establishing fascism. “Why are those responsible for establishing fascism still at large? Why haven’t those who destroyed institutions and used their entrusted positions to serve Sheikh Hasina and entrench fascism been arrested yet?” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at an event organised by “Amra BNP Poribar” to provide financial assistance to the mother of Abdullah Bin Jahid, who was martyred during the July mass uprising, at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office. Rizvi alleged that ABM Khairul Haque obstructed the continuity of democracy, paved the way for the rise of a tyrant like Sheikh Hasina and assisted in establishing a brutal fascist regime. BNP committed to restoring democracy, voting rights at any cost: Tarique “Why is Justice Khairul Haque still at large? Why is he still beyond reach?” he asked. The BNP leader alleged that Justice Khairul Haque, in collusion with both domestic and foreign anti-democratic conspirators, abolished the non-partisan caretaker government and enabled Sheikh Hasina to retain power without elections. He also said Khairul Haque is primarily responsible for the deaths of numerous young people and adolescents, including Abu Sayed, Mir Mugdho, and Jahid, who were gunned down by the law enforcement agencies of Hasina's fascist regime, as he paved the way for the rise of such fascism. Rizvi said Khairul Haque revoked the caretaker government system for his own benefit, as he later became the chairman of the Law Commission and took Tk10 lakh from the Prime Minister's fund for his treatment. He also questioned why former Chief Election Commissioners Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad and KM Nurul Huda have not been arrested, despite having aided a bloodthirsty leader like Sheikh Hasina, who did not hesitate to shoot and kill children to stay in power AL being rehabilitated under Yunus-led government: BNP's Ripon “They (Rakib-Huda) destroyed the electoral system and democracy. Why can they still remain out of touch. This is big question of people,” the BNP leader said. He also expressed disappointment that no action has been taken against the judges who wrongfully sentenced BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in false cases. “It is a pity that no action has been taken against those who killed democracy and strengthened Sheikh Hasina’s hand in establishing fascism. If the government has even the slightest respect for the blood of the martyrs, there is no reason for these individuals to remain untouched,” the BNP leader said. He said it is the responsibility of the interim government to arrest the killers of democracy, regardless of where they are now, stressing that the people expect to see such an initiative from the government. Rizvi also expressed frustration that the government has not yet taken steps to withdraw the false cases against 60 lakh BNP leaders and activists, despite some cases against advisers being dropped. He praised Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin for his commitment that the Election Commission will not wait for reform suggestions from the National Consensus Commission, but will proceed with election preparations using the powers currently available to it. People waiting for election by December: Khosru The BNP leader said elections should not be delayed for the completion of reforms, as state overhauling is a contentious process. “So, the CEC’s remarks are positive… we are reassured about the election from his statement,” he said.

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday said the national election can be held before December as it is possible to make a decision on reforms within a week. “There is ample scope to hold the election before December by reaching a consensus on reforms and signing the national charter on it,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting with Nurul Haque Nur-led Gono Odhikar Parishad at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. “Everyone is saying that reforms will be carried out based on consensus. All parties have submitted their reform proposals. So, there is no reason for it to take more than a week to identify where consensus exists on the reforms,” Khosru said. The BNP leader said it is now crucial to fix the election date after signing a national charter of reforms agreed upon by all political parties. “I personally believe it should not take until December to arrange the election. Based on an agreement on reforms, we can sign the national charter, and the election can then be held before December. There is no question of going beyond December—it is fully possible to hold it earlier,” he said. BNP, left-leaning leaders hold talks on election, political situation Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, said the Consensus Commission should prioritise the reforms on which political consensus is reached. “As for the remaining reforms, political parties will seek a public mandate and pass them through parliament.” He said BNP does not see any crisis over the reforms. “But if anyone pretends not to understand something that is clearly understandable, then no solution will be possible.” Earlier, speaking to reporters, Nur said they want two student leaders-turned-advisers, Asif Mahmud and Mahfuj Alam, to resign from the interim government for the sake of its neutrality. He also demanded that the government hold the election by December, carrying out the necessary reforms based on a political consensus. Stating that various conspiracies are underway to put the nation at risk, Nur said Bangladesh is not safe as long as it remains under an unelected and undemocratic government. He said although the student leaders who led the July-August mass uprising have formed a political party, two of their representatives are still serving in the interim government. “They themselves should resign to uphold the neutrality of the government.” Nur said they discussed with BNP that his party would announce action programmes if the two advisers do not step down or if Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus fails to take any steps in this regard.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday expressed the hope that the ongoing political issues would be resolved and people would have their own representatives soon through an election. “We have submitted our proposals to reform commissions...we are also engaging in discussions with them. We believe that a truly acceptable solution will emerge through talks, and people will soon get their own representatives through an election within a short time,” he said at a discussion-cum-doa mahfil. Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal organised the programme at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh, in memory of BNP Vice Chairman Abdullah Al Noman, who died on February 25 this year. Fakhrul said the nation is going through a difficult time as democracy has yet to be restored in the country. “The present time is testing us. If you watch TV, talk shows, or read newspapers, you'll notice that we're going through a turbulent time. We are turning some settled matters into uncertainty,” he said. The BNP leader also said the words "reform" and "election" are now being frequently discussed everywhere. “We believe it is the responsibility of everyone, including political parties and other stakeholders, to address the problems through patient and constructive discussions.” JCD blames Anti-Discrimination Movement for killing activist at Primeasia University Fakhrul called upon BNP leaders and activists to keep in mind that their struggle for democracy is not yet over. “We have not yet achieved our democratic transition. We have not yet secured an elected government and parliament through a proper election.” In such a context, he urged the BNP rank and file to work with utmost caution, awareness and perseverance to further strengthen the party and its organisations. Fakhrul denounced the killing of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal activist Jahidul Islam Parvez, also a student at the textile engineering department of Primeasia University. He said those responsible for killing a dedicated student leader like Parvez did not embody the spirit of last year's student movement, which was driven by a desire for positive change. The BNP leader also said those who engage in divisive politics were behind Parvez's death. “They are neither pro-people, pro-democratic, nor pro-working-class forces.” Fakhrul said Abdullah Al Noman was a rare politician who dedicated himself solely to the country and its people, rising above narrow personal interests. In the current time of democratic transition, he said, the presence of a leader like Noman was essential to guide the nation in the right direction. BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan recalled Noman’s contributions to Bangladeshi politics, particularly in advocating for the rights of the working class. “He was a true friend of the workers. He was an outstanding labour leader and remained dedicated to the working class until his last day,” he said. Stating that Noman was a former president of Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, Nazrul urged the leaders and members of the organisation to strengthen their organisational capacity as a mark of true respect to the late workers’ leader and BNP vice chairman.

BNP Vice-Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu on Friday alleged that the government is intentionally delaying the national election in order to sideline his party. “We believe the government is evading the election to sideline BNP and prevent it from forming a government through the people's support and votes,” he said while addressing a youth rally. Bangladesh Gonotantrik Parishad arranged the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding the immediate trace of the whereabouts of missing BNP leaders and activists, including Elias Ali and Chowdhury Alam. Dudu expressed deep concerns about the interim government’s activities, saying that people are anxious as the government has failed to announce a concrete election roadmap. “We do not even understand what they want,” he said, sharply criticising the government’s handling of the election issue. The BNP leader called upon the government to provide a clear and immediate election timeline. “Announce a specific roadmap for establishing an elected government without delay. Tell the nation when the election will be held—what month, what year.” He also accused the government of creating confusion over the election with vague statements regarding holding it either in December or June. “Put aside this nonsense. We are not prepared for such games.” Dudu reminded the interim government that the people of Bangladesh previously ousted Sheikh Hasina when she tried to remain in power without elections and public mandate. BNP in talks for constitutional reform consensus: Salahuddin “When we were able to oust Hasina... if another form of fascism arises, the people of Bangladesh will swiftly deal with it,” he said. The BNP leader recalled that people once welcomed the Dr Muhammad Yunus-led interim government with garlands. “Now, we also wish to bid you farewell in the same manner.” Dudu expressed frustration that the government has so far failed to take any action to trace the whereabouts of BNP leaders and activists, including Elias Ali and Chowdhury Alam, who were victims of enforced disappearances. “How tragic it is that we cannot even pray for their souls because we do not know whether Elias Ali and Chowdhury Alam are dead or still alive,” Dudu observed. He claimed that the entire nation is aware that Sheikh Hasina was responsible for the disappearances of Elias Ali and other BNP leaders as part of her strategy to eliminate political opponents. “We still don’t know the whereabouts of Elias Ali, Chowdhury Alam and numerous other national, student, and youth leaders. I demand that Sheikh Hasina be awarded the death penalty for the heinous crimes” Dudu said. He also urged the interim government to take immediate action to ensure trials for those involved in enforced disappearances and murders.

A BNP delegation is all set to meet Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday to deliver a ‘strong message’ that the party will not accept any attempt to delay the national election beyond December this year. Talking to UNB, BNP senior leaders said the party will also urge the Chief Adviser to issue a clear statement regarding the election timeline, urging an end to the ongoing December-June uncertainty. They said their party will provide reasons and logical justifications for their demand to hold the national election within this year, particularly by December. BNP leaders said their party will also call upon the head of the interim government to take necessary steps to complete the reform process by the coming June in order to dispel public concerns over a possible attempt to delay the election under the pretext of state restructuring. They said if their demand is met and a clear commitment is given, the party will shift its focus to election preparations and devising strategies to win over voters. If no consensus is reached during the meeting, BNP leaders indicated that they would launch a movement demanding the restoration of democracy and holding the national election within this year. Party insiders said the BNP has outlined a series of peaceful programmes over the next three months as part of its organisational preparations for the 13th national election, expected in December. These programmes may include rallies, marches and processions, beginning at the grassroots level and expanding nationwide with large public gatherings. The plan was initially worked out in a recent meeting of the party's organisational secretaries and has been informally communicated to the top leadership. “If BNP does not receive a clear message on the election timeline in the meeting with the Chief Adviser, the party may begin implementing these programmes by the end of this month. According to the schedule, a BNP standing committee member, led by party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, will meet the Chief Adviser at his official residence and state Guest House, Jamuna, at 12pm. A BNP standing committee member, speaking on condition of anonymity, has expressed deep concern over what he described as a growing campaign aimed at postponing the national election and keeping the current interim government in power for five years. BNP’s Salahuddin calls for preservation of Pahela Baishakh as national cultural heritage He said whenever BNP demands a clear electoral roadmap from the Chief Adviser, various advisers issue conflicting statements to divert attention from the issue. As an example, he said, the Home Affairs Adviser recently claimed that the public wants the interim government to remain for five years, while Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter went so far as to say this government was ‘elected’ by people through a mass uprising. The BNP leader said during the last meeting with their party, the Chief Adviser had promised that his government’s actions would be directed towards holding the national election by December 2025. “But he is still wavering between December and June. We’re witnessing coordinated efforts, especially on social media, to justify a delay. That’s why we’re meeting the Chief Adviser again to clear up our doubts and confusion.” Contacted, BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas alleged an attempt to prolong the election is visible. “There are people openly talking about keeping Dr Yunus in power for five years. But those trying to do that will not only damage his reputation but also cause serious harm to the country.” Abbas said he still believes Dr Yunus is committed to holding elections by December. “But, some Awami elements surrounding him are trying to mislead him. That’s our concern going into this meeting.” Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, another standing committee member, said BNP is still cooperating fully with the interim government. “We do not want to create any trouble. Our goal is to convince the government to hold the election without unnecessary delay. If our demand is met, there will be no conflict. But if the government goes in the opposite direction, we too may take a different stance.” BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said their party will use the meeting to clarify the government's intentions. “We’ll remind the Chief Adviser of his promise to hold elections by December and urge him to publicly confirm it through a press conference. We’ll also ask him to direct the Election Commission to complete all necessary preparations accordingly.” He said BNP is committed to reforms and has already put forward a 31-point state-reform framework well before the formation of the current government. “We won’t allow anyone to push their own agenda in the name of reforms.” Asked about their next steps, Salahuddin said the party will decide on its future course of action based on the outcome of the meeting with the Chief Adviser.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday alleged that the people of Bangladesh are being systematically denied their voting rights as happened during the dictatorship. Speaking at an event in Belkuchi, Sirajganj, where BNP distributed Eid relief among the destitute, Rizvi said, “Just as under past autocratic regimes, people today are being kept away from voting.” He recalled Bangladesh’s history of student-led movements for democracy, saying, “Student-people movements had overthrown dictators before through struggles to protect democracy.” Rizvi emphasised that political reforms should be a continuous process driven by an elected government in parliament. He alleged that the SP and OC of Comilla are now acting at the behest of an influential advisor to the interim government. Rizvi claimed that the leaders of BNP, Jubo Dal, and Chhatra Dal are being arrested and harassed ahead of Eid. “This government claims to be neutral, yet under its orders, BNP leaders and activists are being arrested and sent to prison,” the BNP leader said. Criticising former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he alleged that she fled the country out of fear during the Moinuddin-Fakhruddin administration and after 1975. “If you (Hasina) were truly courageous, you would have returned to the country immediately after your family was assassinated. Instead, you only returned when you were assured of safety,” he claimed. Interim govt advisers trying to divide anti-fascist movement: Rizvi Rizvi also alleged that Hasina had negotiated with the Moinuddin-Fakhruddin administration to remove BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia from the country, but the plan failed. “Begum Zia’s leadership emerged from the grassroots, and she has never abandoned people or the country. Despite enduring false cases, imprisonment and repression by the Awami League government, she continues to fight for democracy,” he added. During the programme, Rizvi handed over donation cheques on behalf of BNP to two martyred families of Belkuchi. Under the direction of BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Eid relief was distributed among 5,000 destitute people. BNP’s Rajshahi Divisional Joint Organising Secretary Amirul Islam Khan Alim, former Belkuchi Upazila BNP President Jamal Bhuiyan, and former convener Nurul Islam Golam were among those present at the event.

Although the interim government has already released the national election roadmap, BNP may be pressing for a specific election date, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said on Saturday. He made the remark while responding to a question at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. When asked about BNP’s demand for the election roadmap to be announced within this month, Shafiqul Alam said, "We have already clarified that the roadmap has been provided. BNP may now be seeking a precise date. We have stated that if political parties agree to proceed with minimal reforms, the election can be held within December this year." Starlink's entry ensures uninterrupted internet in Bangladesh: CA’s Press Secretary He further explained, "If the parties prefer elections after implementing additional reforms, there could be a delay of up to three months. However, after April, the Kalbaishakhi (nor’wester) and monsoon rains set in, making election logistics more challenging." About beginning dialogues between the National Consensus Commission and political parties, the Press Secretary said, "We are hopeful that discussions will begin very soon." Security Measures During Ramadan Addressing security concerns, including a rise in muggings and counterfeit currency circulation during Ramadan, Shafiqul Alam outlined special measures for public safety. "Multiple checkpoints have been set up across various locations, and motorcycles have been provided to police and other forces to enhance patrol efficiency. Nationwide patrolling has been intensified," he said. He added that the Home Affairs Adviser, Home Secretary, Police Chief, and DMP Chief are visiting different areas and engaging with stakeholders. "We believe you will witness further improvements in law and order during Ramadan," he assured. Resignation of Shilpakala DG Commenting on the resignation of Syed Jamil Ahmed, Director General of the Shilpakala Academy, Shafiqul Alam said, "The Cultural Adviser has already addressed the matter on his Facebook page. This was a personal decision by the Director General, and I have no further comments. He served with us for six months, which we consider an honour. He is a distinguished playwright and a leading figure in Bangladesh’s theatre scene. We hope he will continue to enrich the country’s cultural landscape." Govt focused on price stability, essential commodity supply: Shafiqul Alam

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday urged Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to run the government with a strong hand and proceed towards holding the national election soon, maintaining neutrality. “I would like to call upon the chief of the interim government to lead your government with a strong hand. Let no one get scope to say that you are exhibiting any favoritism,” he said. Mirza Fakhrul made this call while addressing a discussion over BDR carnage, arranged by BNP, at Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in the city in memory of the martyred army officers who were killed in the 2009 Pilkhana tragedy. He said they do not want to hear such words about him because he is a very famous person throughout the world. “We hope that you will proceed towards the election by maintaining complete impartiality, completing the minimum necessary reforms as soon as possible,” said the BNP secretary general. He said they expect from Prof Yunus that he would hold a free and fair election to bring stability and peace in the country and also prosperity for the future Bangladesh. Following the ouster of fascist Hasina through the student-people mass uprising, a new opportunity has been created to build a new Bangladesh as a democratic and prosperous state, but now conspiracies continue to destroy that opportunity again, he said. Fakhrul alleged that Sheikh Hasina, staying in India, is planning and conspiring to thwart all the achievements of this mass uprising and victory as well to create anarchy and an unstable situation in Bangladesh. “As part of her conspiracy, an unstable situation is being created in different ways from various parts,” he said. Hasina spearheaded Pilkhana carnage for two days: Fakhrul He said the interim government that came through the student-people revolution was formed on the basis of the blood sacrifices from some 2000 students and people. So, everyone hopes that this government will fulfill the expectations of people, he said. Fakhrul said his party has repeatedly said a stable situation will not be achieved unless a democratic system is established in the country. “That is why we have been saying from the beginning that one thing - a people's government must be established in the country through a truly impartial election,” he said. But now, there are attempts to take the country towards anarchy by raising various questions about this point (election), he said. The BNP leader said now some quarters are trying to unfairly make the country unstable and the people of the country agitated as well as trying to bring everyone to the streets in various ways. “In the same way, they are trying to create anarchy in the country. This is not good for the independence and democracy of Bangladesh at all. This is not good for the stability of Bangladesh at all,” he said. Fakhrul urged the people of the country to stay united by stopping mudslinging and debate and controversy to reach a democratic system. BNP Does Want Reform The BNP secretary general said many people are now criticising his party and trying to say that the BNP is pressing for only the election but doesn’t want reform. The critics are spreading such big lies and false propaganda against BNP in various ways particularly on social media, he said. “A few persons, a handful of men, have targeted the BNP. They want to humiliate the BNP by resorting to negative campaigns and propaganda (against the party),” said Mirza Fakhrul. He said BNP is a party that protected the country’s independence and sovereignty in the past and will do so now as well. About the Pilkhana carnage, the BNP leader said 57 brilliant army officers were killed in a well-planned manner. So many army officers had not been killed even in the Liberation War, he said. “So, come forward to take a vow that we’ll protect the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh at any cost, ensure stability and restore democracy in Bangladesh,” he added. BNP standing committee member Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed presided over the event, while BNP standing committee member Selima Rahman, BNP Chairperson's advisory council member Abdus Salam, RAB-2 Commander during the BDR mutiny Lt Col (Retd) Shamsuzzaman Khan and Major General Shakil Ahmed’s son Rakin Ahmed, also spoke on the occasion. Earlier, a documentary about the 2009 BDR mutiny was screened at the event. 

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday reaffirmed the need for an early national election to restore stability, implement reforms and resolve the pressing challenges facing the nation. “It surely needs to restore stability soon in the country…we think it will be possible to gradually bring the country back from the brink of destruction as soon as it is possible to restore a stable situation in the country,” he said. Tarique said this while addressing a training workshop titled ‘31-point proposal to repair the state structures and public engagement’ arranged by Dhaka Bar Unit of Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum at Dhaka Bar Lawyers Association Auditorium in the city. He said some people questioned whether an election will solve all problems. “In this regard, we can think that since a stable situation will return after the election and reform works will gradually begin, the severity or intensity of the problems will gradually begin to ease,” he added. Pointing to those who demand and argue for holding the local government elections first before the national election, he asked them to consider the present reality as instability is everywhere in the country. “If we look around, we can see instability. There is instability everywhere,” said the BNP acting chairman. He said the main responsibility of this interim government is to help the people of the country make their decisions, to make arrangements for it, to help them make political decisions. “This should be their main goal,” he added. Unity must to protect Bangladesh, its people: Tarique Tarique Rahman said the government is deviating from its goal to some extent, which is reflected in different talks and remarks of the government’s different persons. “They are probably deviating from their goal to some extent in some cases. Confusion is being created from the various statements of different persons. Confusion is being created in different areas. Naturally, when there is instability in politics, confusion will be created,” he said. “If we cannot ensure political stability, then no matter how many reforms we announce, no matter how many policies we adopt - none of them will be successful,” he added. The BNP leader said the main goal of the interim government and everyone should be to restore a stable situation as soon as possible in the country. The longer we delay in making the parliament functional, the restlessness, debate and controversy will spread, which ultimately causes instability everywhere including the economy and society as well as brings harm to the country as a whole. About the 31-point reform proposal, Tarique said it is a sacred responsibility for BNP to bring reform in the state structures as the party placed the (31-point) reform proposal first before the country and its people this time. He said the 31-point reform proposal is not much different from what reform proposals this interim government placed. “Since we, BNP, raised this reform proposal first, made the commitment to the people of Bangladesh, to make it successful or to fulfill this promise in a phased manner. This is our sacred responsibility. If this sacred responsibility has to be fulfilled in a phased manner in terms of reality, of course, we need a parliament,” he said. The BNP acting chairman said there should be an election where the people of Bangladesh will be able to give their true judgment. And a parliament should be formed on the basis of the results of a transparent and neutral election. “If so, that parliament will be able to turn reforms into reality,” he said.