Tarique Zia vows to curb power abuse, autocracy if BNP returns

FE Team | Published: November 15, 2024 00:34:27

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said his party, if returns to power, will build Bangladesh in such a way that no one, not even the prime minister, can abuse power or emerge as an autocrat, reports UNB.
He came up with the remarks while speaking from London virtually at a seminar on the BNP's 31-point state reform proposal, held at a hotel in the capital on Thursday.
He further said his party will transform the country into a democratic and humane nation, ensuring people's basic human rights, freedom of expression and press freedom.
"We want to ensure, and will do our utmost, that no person, not even the prime minister, will be able to abuse power and become a dictator in future Bangladesh," the BNP leader said.
He also said from the highest levels of the state to every level of government, accountability and the rule of law would be upheld, ensuring that no one is above the law.
Despite differences in political ideologies, Tarique noted that a unity had already been forged among democratic political parties in the country to build a democratic Bangladesh.
During Sheikh Hasina's fascism, the BNP leader said, the nation had witnessed the so-called politics of development, which was primarily based on corruption, misrule, and criminalisation.
"In contrast, if BNP forms the government through the people's vote, you will witness the politics of people's empowerment and partnership, guided by our 31-point outline. Rule of law, human rights and freedom of speech will be the basis of our state governance," he assured.
Tarique said almost all the reform proposals currently being discussed in the country are included in BNP's 31-point outline. "I understand the purpose of reform as not merely changing a few sentences of the Constitution, but transforming the fortunes of the people.
To ensure that a dictatorial system does not repeat in Bangladesh, he said, BNP wants to include a provision in the constitution that no one can serve as Prime Minister for more than two consecutive terms.
The BNP leader also said his party wants a balance of power between the legislative, judicial, and executive branches. "We aim to introduce a bicameral parliamentary system to ensure the representation and participation of society's intellectuals in the governance of the state."
He said an inclusive, liberal, and democratic Bangladesh must be built. "We all have a long way to go in unison. The pace of this march must be swift but steady, with specific goals."
Tarique said his party wishes to restore freedom of expression for every citizen, regardless of their political affiliation. "Just like two decades ago, during the BNP government, the media in Bangladesh could fearlessly criticise the government and even draw cartoons.'
He recalled that a section of the media had published baseless reports about the then Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and him, conducting a media trial and propaganda campaign. "But we didn't gag any media, harass anyone, or send any editor to jail in return.
In the future, Tarique said, BNP will ensure the freedom of expression for all citizens, particularly human rights activists, journalists, and social influencers. "But we expect an impartial and responsible role from the media.
He also promised that BNP would eliminate extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, excessive use of force, politically motivated cases and trials, mass arrests without warrants, gross human rights violations, and the culture of fear that has been fostered over the last 16 years.