BNP wants reforms that will change people's fate: Tarique

JASHORE, Nov 5 (UNB): BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said his party wants such state reforms that will help change the fate of the country's millions of people and ensure their rights.

The leader came up with the remarks while speaking virtually from London at a rally organised by the party's Jashore district unit at the Town Hall Ground in the district on Tuesday, marking the sixth death anniversary of former minister and BNP Standing Committee member Tariqul Islam,.

He also said the nation is still passing through a critical juncture, as the evil ghosts of the deposed autocratic regime are still hatching various plots against the country.

"Many of us now hear about reforms and many people are talking about various reforms. But it is the BNP that first presented reform proposals in Bangladesh to change the fate of people and transform this country," Tarique said.

He said his party chairperson Khaleda Zia outlined state reforms in 2017 by unveiling BNP's Vision-2030 charter.

Later, Tarique said, the BNP also presented reform proposals in 2023, outlining a 31-point charter for state reforms in consultation with democratic parties that joined the simultaneous movement for the restoration of democracy.

"What is the main purpose of these reforms? Is it just to change a few lines in the constitution? Of course, reforms are necessary to cope with changing times and the evolving world order in running the country. But I, as a political activist, believe reforms should be about changing the fate of crores of common people across the country and bringing positive changes to the nation," he said.

As a political activist," the BNP leader said he thinks simply changing a few lines in the constitution is not reforms.

BNP's Jashore district unit organised the rally at the Town Hall Ground in the district in memory of the late minister and BNP Standing Committee member, Tariqul Islam, marking his sixth death anniversary.

Meanwhile, BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas has called upon the interim government to immediately announce the election date and present a clear outline for state reforms without resorting to any trickery.

The BNP leader came up with the remarks while speaking at a discussion on 'The Spirit of the Liberation War and Today's Bangladesh', organised by Muktijoddha Projonmo and Projonmo Academy at Dhaka Reporters' Unity on Tuesday, marking the 21st death anniversary of veteran freedom fighter Mesbah Uddin Ahmed Sabu.

He also said those who describe the recent mass uprising as the 'second independence' are actually against the country's independence, the Liberation War, and the proclamation of independence by Ziaur Rahman in 1971.

"Clearly inform the nation when the election will be held, without any deceit or manipulation. The nation wants to know the election date. If you leave the nation in uncertainty, there is no reason for them to sit idle and watch your mockery," he said.