Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said political changeover does not mean just handing over of state power. Rather, it means bringing about qualitative changes in the state and politics.
"To consolidate the spirit and goals of the mass uprising, it is necessary to ensure empowerment of people's political and economic rights along with bringing the driven (deposed) anti-democratic forces to the book (under justice)," he said in a video message from London, the UK on Tuesday.
"The main tool to empower people politically is to ensure every citizen's voting rights. Deprived and oppressed people are eagerly expecting to see a dignified, independent and safe life. It is the high time to establish democracy in the country with full accountability, as the fallen autocrat has fled the country."
"The people of Bangladesh have struggled during the last 15 years. Now they have successfully toppled the fascist regime (of Awami League) to ensure restoration of democracy, human rights and voting rights."
He also said many people, including children and students, sacrificed their lives, and many were seriously wounded during the recent movement, which subsequently forced Sheikh Hasina to flee the country. The expatriate Bangladeshis also contributed a lot to the movement.
"Conspiracy is still going on to foil the victory of the historical upsurge and destabilise the country by implementing a planned roadmap of attacking a particular religious group in the country."
"Under such circumstances, the priority now is to consolidate the spirit and goals of the uprising. Please don't fall in the trap of the defeated evil forces. To bring the success of the movement to the final stage, none should engage in and support the activities like usurpation."
"None should torture weaker people. No vengeance, no revenge. Let us be responsive and contribute from our respective positions to bring about reforms for building an effective state."
Tarique Rahman further said, "The interim government will hold election on time after completing the reforms in the state affairs."
He suggested giving state honour to those killed and seriously wounded during the recent movement. He also proposed to observe August 5 nationally, and lauded the government, as it has taken an initiative for preparing lists of the killed and wounded persons.
He called upon the BNP leaders and activists to stand beside the people, win their hearts, and get their votes in the next national election.
"As BNP leaders, activists and followers please ensure that none feels unsafe in the country - not just for religious background, cast and creed."
The BNP acting chairman lamented that the independence of print and electronic media was abolished and many journalists were killed during the last 15 years of Awami League rule.
The investigation into the killings of Sagar-Runi is yet to be completed even after a decade, he added.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com