BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said Bangladesh will be on the road map for elections after reforms.
"At the core of democracy are the people. People will decide whom they will support. BNP has always worked for the people," he said while virtually joining a rally in front of the party's central office in Nayapaltan, Dhaka, on the occasion of International Democracy Day on Tuesday (17 September).
"Reforms should be undertaken by elected representatives," he added.
In his keynote speech, Tarique Rahman accused the Hasina administration of instituting a "mafia rule" over the past 15 years, which he claimed has left the country in a fragile state.
He asserted that the remnants of the alleged criminal network remain unaddressed.
Tarique emphasised that the failure of the interim government signifies a collective failure and urged continued support for efforts to rectify this situation.
He stressed the necessity of completing reforms as a priority to ensure a fair and free election.
According to him, without prompt and thorough reform, a popular uprising among students and youth may falter.
Highlighting the disenfranchisement of the younger generation, Trique Rahman noted that 25 million voters have been unable to exercise their voting rights.
He underscored the need for political and economic reforms, announcing BNP's 31-point agenda for political reform initiated in 2023.
Tarique Rahman concluded by urging citizens to prepare themselves to build a knowledge-based state.
BNP held a rally to observe the International Day of Democracy and to promote the establishment of democracy in the country.
The event officially commenced at 2:30pm on Tuesday (17 September) in front of the BNP’s central office at Naya Paltan with a recitation from the Quran.
Initially scheduled for 15 September, the rally was postponed due to inclement weather conditions.
The gathering saw participation from BNP leaders and activists from various parts of the country.
Despite the intense heat, groups of supporters arrived in processions from the capital and neighbouring districts.
Many were seen with the national flag tied around their heads while holding party flags.
From the morning, BNP leaders and members, along with affiliated organisations, had been arriving at the Naya Paltan venue in smaller groups.
The event was moderated by BNP’s Publicity Secretary, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku.
