General election delay will deepen crisis, spawn conspiracies: Tarique

BNP’s acting chief insists on the need for a ‘representative government’

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has warned that delays in holding general elections will only exacerbate the problems facing the nation.

Speaking at a virtual meeting on Tuesday afternoon, he said: “The people will decide who they entrust with running the country. So, the longer the delay in this process (elections), the more problems will arise instead of solutions.”

Tarique claimed that delaying the elections would create room for more conspiracies.

“The longer the delay, the more branches of conspiracy will spread across society in different ways and through various narratives. We can already see different kinds of talk emerging gradually,” he said.

“Those who fled the country looted vast amounts of wealth from the people. Of course, they will use that wealth to fund these conspiracies.”

The event was organised by “Amar BNP Poribar” at the Krishibid Institution auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate to discuss the situation of photojournalists injured while covering the recent mass uprising.

During the programme, financial aid was provided on behalf of Tarique to the injured journalists.

Speaking from London, Tarique referred to BNP’s reform agenda and said: “Two and a half years ago, we proposed a 31-point reform plan. We are trying to take these proposals to every household, explaining to people what our 31 points entail.”

He argued that people’s biggest concern is finding solutions to their daily struggles.

“When we go to the people, they ask—what is the solution to our problems? The price of essential goods is rising and falling unpredictably, causing distress. People want to know how this problem can be solved,” he said.

“Look at the number of accidents happening in buses and cars daily—the death toll and physical injuries are reaching abnormal levels. This issue needs to be addressed.

“Many in the country are being deprived of proper healthcare. People have the right to know what will happen to their treatment and that of their future generations,” he added.

Tarique asserted that establishing a “representative government” is the only way to overcome these crises.