BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has criticized those advocating for reforms, stating that many of them were absent from the streets during crucial political struggles. He emphasized that BNP alone has defied autocratic pressures to announce a 31-point national reconstruction plan and pledged that, if given the opportunity to govern, the party would prioritize rebuilding the country.

Speaking virtually as the chief guest at the Jeshore District BNP Conference on Saturday afternoon, Tarique Rahman addressed party leaders and activists at the Central Eidgah Ground.

He accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of clinging to power unlawfully for 16 years, subjecting BNP and other democratic parties to killings, enforced disappearances, and plundering. He stated that BNP and some political allies continued their struggle on the streets despite severe repression.

Tarique Rahman pointed out that those who now speak of reforms were not present during the anti-autocracy movement. He stressed that BNP’s main goal is to restore the crumbling state structure, improve agricultural production, empower women, and enhance healthcare services. He reiterated that these would be BNP’s top priorities if elected to power through the people’s mandate.

Addressing party members, he urged them not to be misled by propaganda and reaffirmed that BNP does not engage in activities that lack public support. He warned against unethical behavior within the party, stating that past disciplinary actions have been taken against those who deviated from BNP’s core values.

He emphasized the need for a fair and transparent election process, asserting that rapid national reconstruction hinges on such a democratic practice.

Referring to the prolonged struggle against the ruling regime, Tarique Rahman declared that the autocrats they fought for 17 years are now in exile, but their influence remains through continuous conspiracies. He urged party members to remain vigilant, stating that conspirators are making renewed attempts to destabilize the political landscape under different pretexts. He called for unwavering unity to protect the nation’s interests.

He acknowledged that internal disagreements may arise but encouraged dialogue as the means to resolve conflicts. He assured party members that if discussions fail once, they should continue until a consensus is reached. He underscored the urgency of national reconstruction and reiterated BNP’s 31-point framework for rebuilding the country’s administrative and economic structures.

Tarique Rahman highlighted key policy areas outlined in BNP’s reform plans, including education for future generations, employment opportunities for youth, advancements in the healthcare sector, and improvements in agriculture. He reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to addressing these critical issues for the nation’s overall progress.

The Jeshore District BNP Conference was presided over by Professor Nargis Begum, the convenor of the district BNP. BNP Chairperson’s advisor Aman Ullah Aman inaugurated the event.

The conference, moderated by Jeshore District BNP Joint Convenor Delwar Hossain Khokon, was attended by BNP’s Acting Organizational Secretary (Khulna Division) Anindya Islam Amit, Assistant Organizational Secretary Jayanta Kumar Kundu, Assistant Religious Affairs Secretary Amlendu Das Apu, former Office Secretary Mofiqul Hasan Tripti, current Executive Committee members Engineer T.S. Ayyub, Abul Hossain Azad, Sabira Najmul Munni, Keshabpur Municipality BNP President Abdus Samad Biswas, Jeshore BNP General Secretary Ehsanul Haque Setu, BNP’s Sadar Upazila General Secretary Anjarul Haque Khokon, District Jubo Dal Member Secretary Ansarul Haque Rana, District Mohila Dal President Rashida Rahman, District Swechchhasebak Dal Convenor Mostafa Amir Faisal, and District Chhatra Dal General Secretary Kamruzzaman Bappi, among others.