No haste over constitutional matters: Tarique to interim govt

Stating that the government should not make any hasty decisions regarding constitutional matters, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday called upon all to maintain the national unity at any cost to resist any plots by evil quarters.

While virtually exchanging greetings with members of the Hindu community, he also urged the members of different religious communities not to be misled by any conspiracy or rumours propagated by associates of the deposed fascist Awami League aimed at destabilising the country.

“The national unity that has been forged based on the screams of thousands of wounded people and the bloodshed of many must be maintained at any cost,” the BNP leader said.

Tarique said he believes that if the political and economic empowerment of people can be ensured, no one will be able to take away people‍‍`s freedom through any conspiracy.

He also said the BNP believes the interim government must not fail as such a failure would represent a setback for pro-democratic and pro-Bangladesh forces. . “I would like to say that our ongoing movement will continue until the political and economic empowerment of the people is achieved.”

The BNP leader mentioned that there are various discussions and analyses among political parties and even within the government regarding the formation process of the interim administration. “Some are raising questions about why the interim government has been sworn in under the current constitution or whether it is a revolutionary government.”

At this point in time, Tarique feared that the questions regarding the formation process could hinder the government‍‍`s dynamism and lead to a diversion from its objectives.

“So, BNP thinks that in matters directly related to national security or constitutional provisions, it is essential to avoid hasty decisions in governing the country. Instead, a well-thought-out and well-considered approach should be followed, making it easier to address any future challenges,” he observed.

 Although some differences have emerged among the political parties following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime, the BNP leader said, “I believe our goal is the same—establishing a discrimination-free, democratic, and humane Bangladesh. Therefore, BNP does not see any room for misunderstandings among us.”

Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Kalyan Front arranged the programme at the Ladies Club in the city‍‍`s Eskaton area to greet members of the Hindu community and exchange views with them, marking the Durga Puja, which was celebrated in the country with due respect and religious fervour from October 9 to 12.

 Greeting the members of the Hindu community, Tarique said, “We have just one message: whether believer, non-believer, skeptic, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, or from an ethnic minority, this Bangladesh belongs to all of us. It’s not about being a so-called minority or majority; our only identity is that we are all Bangladeshis.”

 As citizens of Bangladesh, he said, “Your rights are just as important as mine. The interests of Bangladesh must come first for all of us. In governance and administration, we will prioritise meritocracy. The principle of the BNP is that everyone in this country will enjoy equal rights.”

 Narrating the injustices and oppression faced by Hindus and various communities during the 15 years of the "mafia government," the BNP leader said pro-Bangladesh forces are now united to create a state and society where people of all religions and backgrounds can safely and confidently celebrate their religious programmes and rituals in the future.

 “Our message to everyone is clear: religion is for individuals, and the right to security belongs to all. So, I humbly urge you not to respond to any provocations from the fugitive dictator and their associates. Please do not listen to any rumours or gossip,” he said.

 Tarique noted that the fallen and defeated forces created communal tensions over the last 15 years to serve their own interests.

 He called on everyone to remain vigilant to prevent the associates of the fugitive dictator from hatching plots using various religious communities for their narrow political gains.

“During the past 15 years of the submissive government, security was ensured for criminals and those engaged in various offenses, leaving followers of religions in anxiety and distress,” he observed.

 Tarique also said it will not be easy for the interim government to achieve its desired goals while keeping the beneficiaries of the deposed authoritarian government in key state positions.

 He mentioned that the interim government has already formed various reform commissions to address the fragile condition of the country created by the mafia government, stating that completing the ongoing reform process, which aims to clear the debris of 15 years, is a massive task.

 “But it’s crucial to ensure that while executing this extensive task, the daily struggles of the people are addressed. If the economic and political empowerment of the people is overlooked, the reform initiatives of the interim government will come into question. So, it’s essential for this government’s actions to be agenda-driven based on priority.”

BNP Standing Committee members, including Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, AZM Zahid Hossain, Vice Chairman Barkatullah Bulu, Netai Roy Chowdhury, and Chairperson’s Advisory Council members Prof. Sukomal Barua, Bijon Kanti Sarker, Afroza Khanam Rita and Gonoforum General Secretary Subrata Chowdhury, among others, addressed the programme with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in the chair.