Tarique has stated that reforms at the state level will not be successful without the involvement of elected officials

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman stated today that the initiative for state reforms will not succeed unless elected officials are given the responsibility of governing the country. "Those who believe reforms should take place before the election must understand that, for these reforms to succeed, people who are genuinely connected to the masses need to be in power. Without them, no reforms will be possible," he said during a virtual address at a program held at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh. Tarique also warned that any delay in the election would only exacerbate the conspiracy against both the nation and the government.

The event, organized by "Amra BNP Poribar," aimed to provide financial assistance to photojournalists injured during the July uprising. Tarique emphasized that it was politicians, not others, who presented the reform proposals to the nation over two years ago.

"If real reforms are to be implemented in this country, they must be led by real politicians," the BNP leader asserted.

He explained that politicians must seek advice from professionals, intellectuals, and civil society members to effectively govern the country. "Based on their input, we will gradually move the nation forward. But until the direct representatives of the people are entrusted with the responsibility of governing, no reform will be fully realized," he added.

Tarique further mentioned that those with strong connections to the people can better understand their needs and advance the country according to their wishes.

He emphasized that the public desires a Bangladesh where basic rights and economic freedom are ensured. Political freedom, he said, is essential for economic freedom and for building a Bangladesh free of discrimination. "To achieve this, voting rights and the guarantee to exercise those rights must be secured."

Tarique reminded that their party, along with other democratic and like-minded parties, had proposed the 31-point reform plan to restructure the state two and a half years ago.

He explained that they recognized the need for clear guidelines and strategies to rebuild the country and restore its institutions.

In the 31-point proposal, he said, they also addressed solutions for the daily struggles of the people, along with the state overhaul.

Tarique noted that around 80 photojournalists were injured and repressed during the July-August mass movement and assured that they would support the injured journalists as best as they could.