Tarique Rahman calls for restricting the Prime Minister's consecutive terms

Tarique Rahman Advocates Two-Term Limit for Prime Ministers

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman proposed on Tuesday that no individual should serve as the country’s prime minister for more than two consecutive terms.

"I personally believe that a person should not remain in the position of prime minister for more than two consecutive terms," he stated during a workshop held at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office. Rahman made his remarks in response to a student’s question while attending the event virtually.

Rahman explained that it becomes challenging for any individual to maintain sincerity and efficiency in the role after a maximum of 10 years due to potential physical and mental exhaustion.

Proposed Reforms

In response to another question, Rahman announced that if the BNP comes to power, it would eliminate the use of political party symbols in local body elections.

During the workshop, Rahman outlined the BNP’s vision for reforms in various sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, finance, the environment, water resources, and the commodity supply chain. He emphasized the importance of restructuring the country's political and economic frameworks to ensure sustainable development.

He highlighted the need to establish political and economic rights for the people, asserting that reforms would be meaningless without guaranteeing these fundamental rights. "If we cannot secure both political and economic rights for the people simultaneously, no reform, no matter how comprehensive, will have any impact," he said.

Tackling Corruption

Rahman stressed the urgency of eradicating corruption, describing it as a major obstacle to national progress. "The nation must break free from the culture of corruption at all costs," he declared.

Reflecting on past policies, Rahman noted that during the BNP's tenure, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) operated independently, without requiring government approval to investigate individuals. He criticized subsequent governments for amending the law to mandate prior approval for investigations involving government officials, thereby undermining the ACC’s autonomy.

Rahman’s statements reinforced the BNP’s commitment to fostering good governance, transparency, and inclusive development in the country.