BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday said that people expect BNP will restore democracy and the right to vote in the country.
Speaking virtually from London in three workshops on 31-points proposals at Dinajpur, Thakurgaon and Panchagarh districts he said, "BNP will engage in dialogue with all stakeholders to resolve issues and guide the nation forward together."
"But under no circumstances should the people's right to vote, their political rights, or the democratic transition be obstructed if people's democratic or political rights are destroyed, everything will be destroyed and everything will be hindered," he asserted.
Tarique said the BNP has earned the trust of the people through long struggles, the sacrifices of many lives of party leaders and activists, as well as the sufferings and torture they have endured.
"All our efforts to take the country forward will be hindered if the people's democratic rights are denied. So, we must restore people's voting rights and democracy at any cost," he said.
Claiming that his party has proposed the 31-point proposal, ignoring the red eyes of the defeated Awami League regime, Tarique said the BNP has promised to serve the people of Bangladesh with a 31-point plan.
He said the party will fulfill its promise with the support of the people.
Tarique said the BNP introduced these 31 points at a time when no one else dared to speak against the current authoritarian government. Despite fear, the BNP spoke out for the people.
"We must visit door to door if we want to garner votes. We have no alternative but to remain beside the people," said the BNP leader.
He claimed BNP has done 70 per cent of the good deeds in the country and only BNP will be able to do the best for the countrymen if it comes to power.
Tarique Rahman answered questions from party leaders and activists.
He said that during the 15 and a half years of Awami League's rule, people across the country were oppressed.
He believes this happened because people wanted their political and economic rights.
Tarique said that large processions and strong participation from the people show BNP's success. I warned seven months ago about hidden forces and enemies. Now those invisible enemies are slowly being revealed.
Tarique claimed that among all political parties that have governed Bangladesh, BNP has done the most for the people that is why millions trust the BNP.
He said that in a democracy, there can be different opinions. BNP wants to form a government with public support and work together with all to build a better Bangladesh by ensuring right to speak.
Tarique called for unity within the party and with like-minded political groups. He said taking the country forward requires everyone's cooperation, regardless of political differences.
He stressed that political parties need quick reforms.
"Unity and agreement among parties are essential to hold the next election soon," said Tarique.
He warned that party members involved in corruption, extortion, or gambling will not be given any responsibility or leadership role in the future BNP. Only honest, skilled, and committed people will lead the party.
Tarique said strict action, including expulsion, will be taken against anyone who damages the party's image or engages in wrongdoing.
At Joynal Abedin Auditorium in Thakurgaon, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that the current interim government's reform plans are similar to the BNP's 31 points. He stated there is no need for more reforms beyond these points.
Fakhrul said he believes that if the 31 points are implemented through elections, fascism will never return to Bangladesh.
He added that Tarique Rahman's plan to unite all parties and views gave the movement its strength. That movement eventually led to the resignation of Sheikh Hasina, based on the demand for a one-point solution.
At Najma Community Centre in Dinajpur city, Rumin Farhana, Central International Affairs Secretary said, "The election has been delayed, a deep conspiracy has begun."
"The interim government sometimes says December, sometimes March, and sometimes June. This government has never held an election. It will not hold an election. They now want to stay for five years with the mandate of the July coup," said Rumin.
District BNP convener Jaherul Islam Kacchu presided over the workshop organized at the Panchagarh municipality premises.
