BNP seeks reform, not revenge: Tarique

RANGPUR, Apr 23 (UNB): BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said his party does not want to take revenge on their oppressors through retaliation, but wants to implement its 31-point reform proposal, aimed at serving the interests of people.
"For the past 15-16 years since 1/11, you all endured unspeakable torture and abuse. You were subjected to false cases, and you were oppressed by the police or by runaway autocrats and their cohorts… We do not want to take that revenge through oppression. We do not want to do what they did," he said while virtually addressing four workshops.
The BNP leader said the implementation of the party's 31-point reform proposal would serve as the means of reprisal against those who oppressed BNP leaders and activists.
"We want to take revenge for the torture and oppression that you endured in the past through the implementation of the 31-point," he said.
By implementing the 31-point in the interest of the country and its people, Tarique said, "I want to take revenge for the torture and oppression that was inflicted on me, the imprisonment that I served, the oppression and imprisonment that was inflicted on my mother, and the way my brother was killed, through the implementation of the 31 points."
The BNP Training Affairs Committee arranged the workshops titled '31-Point State Structure Reform Proposal and Public Engagement' in Rangpur City, Rangpur and Nilphamari districts, and Saidpur upazila.
Tarique called upon his party colleagues to take the party's 31-point proposals to the doorsteps of people across the country, regardless of their political affiliation or opinion, and to mobilise public support in favour of the reform agenda.
"Throughout the day, we discussed issues relating to the interests of the country and its people in the workshops. We must implement the 31-point if we want to execute the plans and protect the interests of the people," he said.
The BNP leader said the people and their support are the main political capital for any political party. "When we see our processions growing and an overwhelming turnout at our rallies, it brings us joy… As political activists, we always strive for public support and higher votes for our candidates."
Stating that evil campaigns are being carried out on social media and in the mainstream media to tarnish BNP's image, Tarique said he warned the party's rank and file about it seven to eight months ago.