Dhaka, Feb 17 (V7N) – BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has emphasized that ensuring voting rights alone is not sufficient to build a just and discrimination-free country; people must also have the power to exercise those rights.

Speaking at an online exchange meeting with photojournalists and their families injured during the February 24 student and public movement, Tarique Rahman addressed the challenges faced by journalists and the broader struggle for political and economic rights. The meeting, organized by 'We Are the BNP Family,' was held at the Khamarbari Krishibid Institution on Monday (February 17).

Rahman expressed concern that journalists, despite their role in highlighting the suffering of the people, have been repeatedly restricted in the past 15 years. He claimed that many reports were suppressed, limiting journalists’ ability to expose injustices and depriving them of their professional and political rights.

BNP’s Vision for a Just and Independent Nation

The BNP leader stated that all citizens who care about the country share a common goal—a nation where basic rights, including economic independence, are guaranteed. He warned that failing to ensure people's political and economic rights puts the country’s independence and sovereignty at risk.

"Those who held power for the past 15 years have sold the country's independence and sovereignty, increasing the influence of foreign powers," Rahman alleged.

He reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to its 31-point state reform program, which aims to restore democracy, ensure political rights, and guarantee economic freedom.

"The reforms that are being discussed now—BNP has been advocating for them for a long time. Our goal is to build a truly democratic nation," he added.

Rahman’s remarks come amid ongoing debates about press freedom, electoral rights, and governance reforms, highlighting BNP’s continued push for systemic change in Bangladesh.

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