DHAKA, April 14, (V7N) – Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has reiterated his party’s pioneering role in proposing reforms to the state structure amid what he termed as “Hasina’s dictatorial regime.”

Speaking virtually at a discussion on BNP's 31-point outline for state reforms, announced Sunday night, Tarique Rahman emphasized that BNP championed reform not from a position of privilege, but through struggle and sacrifice. He stated that it was BNP who first gave the outline for state reforms, challenging the regime at a time when it was under immense political repression.

“BNP did not talk about reforms from any position of advantage. On one hand, it was carrying out the movement, and on the other hand, it was thinking about building a democratic country,” he remarked.

Tarique Rahman also questioned the motives of those currently advocating for reforms, accusing them of benefiting from the government. He pointed out the contradiction between their current demands and their silence on reforms during the previous authoritarian rule of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

“Today, those who are talking about reforms are taking cars, salaries, bonuses, and allowances from the government. During the time of Sheikh Hasina’s regime, how many of them truly raised their voice for reforms?” he asked.

In his remarks, Tarique Rahman highlighted the political repression and the suffering faced by BNP leaders and activists. He recalled that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, and thousands of party activists were imprisoned, faced legal cases, and were harassed when the 31-point reform agenda was proposed by BNP.

Tarique Rahman reiterated that BNP’s commitment to reforms would change the fate of the people. He expressed that while the party may have flaws, its determination to root out corruption and wrongdoing within its ranks remained a central principle.

“Yes, we may have made mistakes, we may have limitations, and even some of us may have been involved in wrongdoing. But we’ve never denied that. A wrongdoer is a wrongdoer – and has no place in the party.”

He concluded by emphasizing that the BNP’s goal is to transform the lives of ordinary citizens, calling for a collective effort to implement the proposed reforms. He stressed that BNP could not achieve these reforms alone, but only with the united efforts of all Bangladeshis.

“This is not just BNP’s task – this is for all of us. When each and every one of you joins the movement, we will be able to implement the 31 points and bring real change to Bangladesh.”

END/MSS/RH/