Government 'deviating at least to some extent’ from its target, says BNP’s Tarique

If there is a delay in parliament’s operation; unrest, debate, and controversy will continue to spread all around, he says

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said the interim government is "deviating at least to some extent” from its goal.

The statements made by various individuals associated with the government are creating confusion and people are being misled in different ways, he said at a programme organised by the Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum in Dhaka on Sunday.

The statements are coming from the government and political parties in recent times about reform initiatives and the 13th parliamentary election.

The advisors to the government are in favour of holding general elections after reforms. On the other hand, the BNP wants early national elections after necessary reforms.

In continuation of the reform initiatives, the National Consensus Commission held a round of meetings with the political parties with the reports of the first six reform commissions.

Stating that unrest appears when confusion exists in politics, the BNP acting chairman said from London: “Every person in the country will face problems due to the political instability. Because whenever instability exists in politics … and if we are not able to ensure stability, then no matter how many reforms we announce or how many policies we adopt, nothing will be successful."

Tarique believes if politics remains unstable, it will affect the economy and the economy will affect everything.

Noting that legal professionals will also be affected, he said: "A small shopkeeper, a rickshawpuller, a CNG driver, and a trader – everyone will be affected alongside every sector.”

The Awami League government fell on Aug 5, 2024. The 12th parliament was dissolved just after six and a half months.

'INSTABILITY WILL RISE DUE TO PARLIAMENT OPERATION DELAY’

Tarique said the main goal of every person, including the interim government, should be to bring the country to a stable condition as soon as possible.

He said, "All over the world, it is acceptable to bring into the parliament whatever it is from political unrest to political discussion and debate. Parliament is the most important place where discussions are held and decisions are taken."

The BNP acting chairman said, "If we delay the functioning of the parliament, the unrest, debate, and controversy – everything will continue to spread outside the parliament.

"The more it will extend outside the parliament, the more unrest will emerge everywhere, from the economy to the social circumstances, which will affect the country as a whole."