Tarique urges parties to prioritise public issues
Stating that people are the "real capital of politicians", BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday urged political parties to focus on public issues and demands alongside state reforms.
"The people of Bangladesh have many expectations from political parties and politicians. We are discussing various issues of reform, including who should hold what authority. Alongside this, let us begin discussions on what the people's expectations, demands, and key goals are," he said while virtually addressing an iftar party.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Jatiyatabadi Somomona Jote hosted the programme in honour of politicians and prominent citizens of the country at a city hotel.
In a democratic state or system, Tarique said, if people have the scope and power to determine who should run the country then political parties must focus on the hopes and expectations of the public.
He said Bangladesh gained independence through the sacrifices of millions, but the country's democracy has been hindered on different occasions, including the introduction of the one-party Baksal rule and the establishment of autocratic rule over the past 15 years.
The BNP leader said the July-August mass uprising succeeded because the people stood by the political parties with their support.
"A mafia-like autocrat [Sheikh Hasina] could be driven out of the country, as people from all walks of life took to the streets and stood by the political parties with an expectation for change. People must have had an expectation for seeking change… I think people's desire for the political parties is to start working for them and address their issues," he observed.
"But what are our thoughts on the people, who are our main capital in politics? Shouldn't we talk about and think about their issues? Of course, we should, because it's our politics, and the people are our greatest capital," Tarique said.
"Why did we present the 31-point proposal? The reason was simple. We saw how the fleeing autocrat destroyed every institution in the country. Whether it's the education system, healthcare, employment, judiciary, civil administration, police administration, or the power sector, they destroyed every institution," he said.
The BNP leader said the first institution the previous autocratic regime destroyed was Bangladesh's electoral system, which they made controversial and destroyed.
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