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National Polls Should Be Held First

Election schedule must be announced immediately: Tabith Awal

Published : Thursday, 27 March, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 590
In an exclusive interview with The Daily Observer, Tabith Awal, a prominent young political figure of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), discusses the current political landscape of Bangladesh amid political crisis regarding General Election.

Tabith, who is also the elected President of Bangladesh Football Federation, speaks on the necessity of forming a legitimate parliament, the reforms needed within political parties, and the importance of grassroots engagement in politics.

Delving into the criticisms of BNP's internal structure, the role of family connections in politics, and the party's strategy for addressing allegations of corruption, Tabith provides a clear vision for the future of Bangladesh's political system.

He also shares his thoughts on the challenges of urban governance, specifically in Dhaka North City, and the role of money in politics.

Son of Abdul Awal Mintoo, a leading figure in BNP and a former President of Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI), Tabith stressed that national election should be held first with immediate announcement of specific election schedule.

His interview was taken by Walid Khan, Staff Correspondent of The Daily Observer. Following is the excerpt of his interview.

DO: Various demands are being raised ahead of the national elections, including local government elections, the trial of fascists, and elections for a Constituent Assembly. How reasonable do you think these demands are in the current political context?

Tabith: It's natural for different parties to present various demands. I believe all these demands are reasonable. However, the reality is that, first and foremost, a parliament must be formed through the people's vote, because only the parliament can legitimize these demands.

That's why I'm calling for the General Election first. All confusion, uncertainty and ambiguity regarding national election must be over with immediate announcement of specific election schedule.

DO: Some political parties, particularly students-youths led NCP, demand local government elections, trial of fascists and election of Constituent Assembly should be held before national election. What is your opinion on it?

Tabith: For the past 17 years, from political movements to uprisings by students and the masses, the demand for the restoration of democracy has been constant. However, we now see attempts are being taken to restore democracy using undemocratic methods. This cannot be beneficial for the country's future.

I strongly believe that only an elected parliament and a government with peoples election mandate can restore democracy and ensure reforms that the country needs. So I demand national election should be held immediately.

DO: Which issue would you prioritize first: restoring democracy or nation-building?

Tabith: These two are inextricably linked. But remember, in a democratic country, without restoring democracy, sustainable nation-building is impossible. Who will legalize the necessary reforms? It's the elected government and parliament.

DO: There are allegations of familial influence within the BNP's organizational structure. You yourself entered politics through your family. How much impact does this allegation have on politics?

Tabith: If the people of the country reject a political figure, it doesn't matter how prominent their political family is they won't succeed in politics. This was proven on August 5.

I believe whether a qualified person comes from within a family or outside of it doesn't make a difference. In our party, many individuals have entered politics through their family connections and have been trained in grassroots politics. Yet, many have moved on from politics at the mid-level.

DO: Do you think state reform can be sustained without ensuring democracy within the political parties?

Tabith: Initially, BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman proposed a 31-point state reform plan. These days, the term "reform" has become a common term in politics.

If any political party wants to continue after the country is reorganized through the implementation of these 31 points, reforms must be brought within all political parties as well.

DO: BNP formulated the 31-point reform after discussions with like-minded political parties. Does it reflect the hopes and aspirations of the common people?

Tabith: Absolutely. The 31 points reflect public expectations. We consulted with grassroots leaders and activists, as well as with our like-minded political parties. The grassroots are directly involved with the people of the country.

DO: Many complaints have arisen about the BNP grassroots, with some claiming they have adopted the same misdeeds like the Awami League grassroots.

Tabith: The BNP grassroots have been negatively branded over the last 20 years. These issues don't concern us much. We are always accountable to the people, and they will judge our grassroots.

DO: BNP grassroots have been accused of patronizing Awami League grassroots leaders and activists.

Tabith: This is a political blame game strategy. However, we've taken strict action against grassroots members accused of extortion and land encroachment. We've issued show-cause notices to many of our leaders and activists.

DO: There seems to be internal conflict within the BNP grassroots. How harmful do you think this is for the future of BNP's politics?

Tabith: Internal conflict exists within families, and similarly, it exists within the BNP grassroots. But I don't think it will harm the party. Those who love BNP will never harm the party. This has been proven over the last 17 years.

DO: How do you evaluate the political situation after August 5?

Tabith: I don't see August 5 as anything other than a political turning point. It made everyone realize that something had to change, given the oppression and suffering the people of Bangladesh have faced for the last 16 years. That change came on August 5.

Similar changes have occurred in Bangladesh before, but it is unfortunate that even after August 5, we still have to fight for democracy, just as we did before.

DO: Does BNP have any plans to initiate a movement against the Interim Government to push for a General Election?

Tabith: As a responsible political party, we want to support the current government in holding the election by December 2025.

DO: If you are elected as mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), what do you think will be the most challenging issues you'll face?

Tabith: Mosquitoes, traffic congestion, air pollution and clean city.

DO: How do you plan to resolve those issues?

Tabith: By ensuring a corruption-free Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and promoting good governance, we will resolve those problems as much as possible.

DO: Do you think the culture of using muscle and black money in politics should be reformed and elections should change to bring good people into politics?

Tabith: If we examine the biographies of famous politicians, not just in our country but around the world, we see they often came from middle-class families. When our politicians begin to approach politics with a sense of patriotism and responsibility, the use of money and muscle power in politics will naturally decrease.

We want clean politics, rule of law, good governance, freedom of expression and human rights to reign in our political culture.


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