BNP’s Tarique says reforms are being prolonged

He emphasises that any further delay would only exacerbate the country's existing challenges

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has criticised the interim government's handling of its reform agenda, claiming that the pace of progress is being deliberately prolonged.

He emphasised that any further delay would only exacerbate the country's existing challenges.

“The reform work is being prolonged. We must be careful whether this is a conspiracy. If the reform is prolonged, then problems will increase. The rule of law has broken down. The rising prices of goods must be controlled. We must complete the reforms faster and establish a people's government,” said Tarique.

He made the remarks during a virtual appearance at a rally at the Government Pilot High School grounds in Feni’s Sonagazi Upazila on Wednesday afternoon.

During the event, a delegation from ‘Amra BNP Paribar’ presented the keys to a newly constructed house to the family of Mohammad Masud, a Jubo Dal leader who was extrajudicially killed in a crossfire incident nine years ago in the Charchandia village of the Upazila.

Masud had served as the former joint convener of Feni’s Sonagazi Upazila Jubo Dal.

Speaking at the rally, Tarique said: “The BNP had proposed reforms two and a half years ago. The party had foreseen the eventual collapse of the dictatorship. That is why the BNP proposed the 31-point list of reforms before the nation. The people of Bangladesh seek the establishment of a political government.”

He also cautioned party leaders, saying: “Some new individuals are infiltrating our ranks and misleading us. Everyone must remain vigilant against them.”

Speaking about the July uprising, Tarique reflected on the severity of the protests, stating: “Two thousand people were killed during the movement in July and August. Thirty thousand were injured. Each and every person resisted.”

He also accused former prime minister Sheikh Hasina of indiscriminately killing individuals before fleeing, asserting that all those responsible must face justice. He further demanded that Hasina herself be tried, emphasising the unity of the people in seeking justice.

BNP Vice Chairman Barkat Ullah Bulu said, “The Hasina government left because of our 17-year movement. It was not because of your 16-day movement. Hold elections after minimum reforms, otherwise we will protest against you. At least 427 BNP leaders and activists were killed in the July movement.”

Later, while criticising Jamaat-e-Islami, senior BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said: “A party is doing politics in the name of Islam. It came to power by taking Sheikh Hasina’s lap. The people of the country understand who is doing politics with religion and who is selling religion.”

Referring to Hasina, he added: “She is making threats like Bin Laden while sitting in a cave. They are announcing strike and blockade programmes online. By doing this, they are keeping the party leaders and activists on the field. That is why government bureaucrats are distributing leaflets in Lalmonirhat. Which is unusual.”

At the rally, leaders and activists handed over donations to the families of six from Feni, 17 from Lakshmipur and 22 from Noakhali who were killed during the 2024 mass uprising.