Tarique Rahman stated that if voting rights are safeguarded, there is no need to ban any political party

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman highlighted that substantial reforms in governance and political systems are achievable if the “people’s court” and the judicial system are empowered. Rahman emphasized that if voting rights are protected, there would be no need for the government to implement extreme measures like banning political parties or individuals. He argued that it is the people’s mandate that should ultimately reject corrupt and criminal elements posing as politicians.

Rahman made these remarks as the chief guest at a BNP virtual discussion commemorating the National Revolution and Solidarity Day on 7 November, held at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in Dhaka. He asserted that a political framework should ensure that every public representative, from local to national levels, is elected directly by citizens. “If this system is established, midnight voting and dummy candidates would be eliminated, and the people’s mandate alone would decide elections,” he said.

He added that criminal cases should be addressed through the legal system, while the political landscape should determine political futures. Rahman believes the empowerment of the “people’s court” would be a milestone reform for Bangladesh.

According to the news agency BSS, Rahman called on national forces and the interim government to be vigilant against conspiracies by forces defeated in past movements. He also urged BNP members to build trust with the public and ensure they stand with the people. “BNP will certainly win if a free and fair election is held,” he stated.

Rahman accused a “mafia government” of holding onto power without elections and attempting to damage Bangladesh’s global reputation. He expressed concerns about renewed attempts by defeated forces from 5 August to portray Bangladesh as a communal state. “All forces, alongside the interim government, must remain alert to thwart these conspiracies,” he declared.

With BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir presiding over the event, other key BNP figures including Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Abdul Moyeen Khan, and Mirza Abbas also spoke. Fakhrul reflected on 7 November as a crucial moment for preserving Bangladesh’s sovereignty and independence. He praised Ziaur Rahman’s role in establishing Bangladeshi nationalism and multi-party democracy.

Marking the day’s significance, Rahman stressed the need for unity among nationalist forces to protect Bangladesh’s independence and democracy. On his verified Facebook page, he described 7 November as a historic day when soldiers and citizens united to restore democracy and independence in 1975.

Rahman criticized previous administrations for stifling democracy and enforcing one-party rule through the Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (BAKSAL), resulting in public discontent. He noted that under Ziaur Rahman’s leadership, the country embraced multiparty democracy, but his assassination in 1981 marked a tragic loss.

He condemned the Awami League for clinging to power with foreign support, weakening sovereignty, and stifling democratic voices. This regime, he claimed, engaged in enforced disappearances and targeted killings to suppress dissent. Rahman concluded by underscoring the necessity of democracy’s core elements, including fair elections and civil rights, for the country’s progress.