Tarique says 31-point plan aims to repair Bangladesh's 'damaged state structure'

He says although many people are talking about reforms, the BNP was the first to highlight the need to restructure state institutions

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said the 31-point plan presented by his party was aimed at repairing the "damaged state structure" of Bangladesh.

In a virtual address to an Iftar event from London on Monday afternoon, Tarique highlighted the reasons behind the introduction of the 31-point plan and its significance.

“We presented this plan because we witnessed how the runaway ‘autocrats' destroyed every institution of the country, including the education system, healthcare, employment, judiciary, civil administration, police administration, and the power sector,” said Tarique.

He added that the first institution to be destroyed by these “autocrats” was Bangladesh's electoral system, which had become highly controversial.

“We, the political parties, who had been on the streets and in struggles for people's political rights, freedom of speech, and economic rights, put forward the 31-point plan nearly two and a half years ago after sitting together for discussions,” Tarique explained.

He also emphasised that the reform of the country’s state structure is crucial to achieving the people's aspirations and improving the nation’s institutions.

“Our politics is centred around Bangladesh and its people. Our biggest asset is the people of this country. If we do not repair the state structure, we will not be able to achieve the goals the people desire,” he said.

Addressing the need for political reforms, Tarique pointed out that although many individuals are now talking about reforms, the necessity to reform the country’s state structure had been first raised by the BNP.

He stressed that such reforms are vital for the country’s recovery and progress.

In 2010, during a talk show in the UK, Tarique referred to a debate among three political parties regarding which party could deliver the quickest ambulance services, highlighting the importance of democracy and the people's needs in determining governance.

“It is essential for political parties to discuss the demands and aspirations of the people,” he added.

“The people are the largest asset of our politics.”