Tarique sees ‘increasingly complex’ situation in Bangladesh, urges parties to head to polls

Reform through democratic practice “more urgent than doctrinal fixes”, says the acting BNP chief

The BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has warned that the national situation is “becoming increasingly complex”, alleging that “defeated, fugitive forces” are lying in wait for an opportunity.

Speaking by video call at a discussion marking the party’s 47th founding anniversary at Dhaka’s Institution of Engineers on Sunday, he said conspiracies to sabotage the general election were “beginning to take root”.

“If we keep our bond with the people, no plot will stop the BNP’s advance,” he added.

Tarique argued that establishing citizens’ rights through democratic political practice was “far more urgent than bookish reforms”.

He said the party supports reforms in state and politics but insisted they be grounded in electoral legitimacy.

He appealed to other parties to abandon “anti-politics” aimed at blocking a BNP victory and instead join an election that produces a government accountable to voters.

“Let us first form a government answerable to the people through elections, then work together to address other just demands,” he said from London.

Warning against preconditions that could obstruct the vote, he added: “Some parties appear to be imposing terms that many now see as a deliberate attempt to create hurdles to elections.”

Tarique reiterated that democracy would remain at risk until a free, fair election installs a government directly elected by the people.

If an elected government fails to meet expectations, he said, voters must have the chance to change it at the next election, “as is practised in democratic countries”.