BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has called on political parties to focus on addressing public issues rather than solely concentrating on state structure and institutional reforms.
Speaking at an iftar programme in Dhaka on Tuesday, Tarique emphasised the need for proposals aimed at solving the problems faced by the public. "Instead of merely discussing the caretaker government system, the constitutional framework, and the voting and electoral system, there should be more emphasis on how the problems of people will be resolved," he said.
The event was organised by the Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM) at the Bangladesh Shooting Sport Federation Convention Hall in honour of political parties.
Tarique highlighted the importance of addressing critical concerns, such as stabilising prices of essential goods, improving the market system, and enhancing production mechanisms. He stressed that political debates should also focus on ensuring primary healthcare for the nation’s population of approximately 200 million. "Why aren’t these issues being discussed?" he questioned.
He further pointed out that reforms should not only revolve around restoring the caretaker government or limiting the Prime Minister's tenure to two terms. Instead, he argued for comprehensive reforms in the market system, production sector, healthcare, and education systems to improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
"Reforms should aim at creating tangible benefits for the people, not just restructuring political frameworks," he added.
As political parties are meant to serve people, the BNP leader said they should also focus on many other critical issues related to the public's interests.
"For example, most people in the country are suffering severely due to the rising prices of essential items. Why are political parties not engaging in discussions on how we will address this issue?" he asked.
Tarique said political parties should present plans and proposals to the nation on how they will keep commodity prices within the purchasing power of the common people by overhauling the market system and boosting production. "Why don’t we discuss these issues? We should address them before the nation.”
He acknowledged that different democratic political parties have varying political ideologies, but their common goal is the restoration of democracy and the creation of a humane Bangladesh where people will enjoy freedom of expression.
The BNP leader said his party, along with many other democratic parties, had led movements to restore the rights taken away from people. "We succeeded in this endeavour. But, reform is now the most discussed issue, as much is being said about it.”
Tarique also said it is urgent for political parties to present reform proposals to combat environmental pollution as the country is facing severe environmental threats.
"I believe reform proposals on the environment are crucial at this moment. Due to noise pollution, air pollution, and other forms of pollution, millions of people, including children, are becoming physically ill every year. Our plan to protect the entire country, including the capital, from this pollution should be presented by all political parties to the nation,” he said.
The BNP acting chairman said political parties should also address necessary reforms related to issues such as creating an environment conducive to industrialisation, providing safe drinking water and tackling the power and energy crisis.
NDM Chairman Bobby Hajjaj, Tarique Rahman’s political adviser Mahdi Amin, AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju, and Nagarik Oikkya leader Shahidullah Kaiser, among others, addressed the programme.
