BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has come down hard on those who are currently advocating for political reforms, saying they had remained silent and inactive during the past 17 years of Sheikh Hasina’s rule. Speaking at a commemorative event marking the third death anniversary of Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury, founder of Gonoshasthaya Kendra, Khasru stated that these individuals, who are now presenting themselves as reformists, were nowhere to be seen when the political climate was repressive.

“These so-called reformists, who are now speaking of change and restructuring, were completely absent when it truly mattered. When the pressure of Sheikh Hasina’s rule intensified, they disappeared. They went underground and have only now emerged, giving us lectures on reform,” said Khasru. The event was held at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club and organized by the Bhasani Janashakti Party and Bhasani Followers’ Council.

Khasru emphasized that the BNP had already laid out a 31-point reform agenda, aimed at shaping a future Bangladesh following the departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “The BNP’s proposals were crafted keeping the next phase of Bangladesh in mind—after the fall of this regime. While many have offered suggestions, no consensus has been shared by the government. Why not? What are they hiding?” he questioned.

He further criticized the lack of transparency surrounding recent policy proposals and initiatives. “If anyone assumes that Hasina’s power has been transferred to another party or group who will now dictate the future of this country, they are mistaken. No one has the authority to determine the country's direction except its people,” he declared.

The senior BNP leader argued that any meaningful reform must occur through a democratic process. “Nobody went to the people with reform proposals before. Only BNP is doing that now because we believe that reforms must be backed by the public. Without the people’s consent, no reform initiative will succeed,” Khasru stated.

In a pointed remark, he accused the current regime of aligning Bangladesh with international conspiracies. According to him, a recent policy decision on providing a humanitarian corridor was taken without consulting the public or any political parties. “This decision was made by an unelected government. Who is behind this policy? The people have the right to know. Their voices were neither heard nor considered,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, Khasru reiterated that reform is not a matter for a select few but a collective journey that must be led by the will of the people. He urged all concerned stakeholders to return to democratic norms and respect the people's sovereignty in shaping the nation’s future.