What is the timeframe the BNP considers reasonable for the interim government to hold an election?
We are not pushing or rushing them into anything, but the very name, “interim government,” suggests that it is temporary. So, this interim government should be given a reasonable amount of time to implement the necessary reforms and changes. We first talked about these changes in our Vision 2030 five or six years ago. Then, about a year ago, we presented 31 points outlining these reforms.
We are committed to this. It’s not just BNP’s commitment—it’s a kind of national consensus among various parties on the need for reforms. The 31 points represent a national consensus for reform.
So, we are already committed to these reforms.
What are the key institutions in the country that BNP believes need major reforms?
There are no functioning institutions in Bangladesh anymore; everything has been destroyed. The government takes decisions but executes them through institutions. Therefore, major reforms are needed across the board.
It’s impossible to organize the electoral process without restoring institutions. These reforms must be completed during the interim period, especially the restoration of key institutions. The Election Commission needs to be reconstituted.
Additionally, the electoral rules introduced by the Hasina government, which were designed to maintain power, need to be reviewed and reformed. All institutions related to the electoral process must be reassessed and given a fresh start.
Another critical issue is corruption, particularly under the Awami League government. So, as far as the electoral process and other reforms go, corruption within institutions, such as the Anti-Corruption Commission, must be addressed.
The country’s economy is also in a dire situation. Economic institutions, the capital market, and other financial institutions have not been functioning properly.
However, while these reforms are needed, it is not realistic for the interim government to fix everything. There are short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals. But we are offering full support because we are committed to national unity to restore democracy, human rights, good governance, and the economic emancipation of the citizens.
There is national consensus and unity, and it is important that we support the government in these endeavors.
People own this country, so the only way forward is through a fair electoral process where citizens will decide who goes to parliament and how the country will be governed. There is no more room for individuals to seize power at will.
This is why so many students have given their lives in 2024. We have endured 16 years of torture and loss, and now we dream of a democratic country.
Tarique Rahman announced there would be a bicameral parliament if BNP comes to power. When was this decision taken?
The goal is to bring transparency to politics—no secrecy, nothing hidden. Everything needs to be on the table for people to see.
For years, those with money, power, and influence have dominated Bangladeshi politics. But what about the people? We have decided to include individuals with expertise, knowledge, and proven contributions to nation-building in our political process.
These experts, who might not be able to participate in the electoral process directly, will be included in the bicameral parliament. This way, they can contribute to policy-making and development in various sectors such as academia, engineering, law, and more.
It’s important that all sectors of society are represented, including women, minorities, and under-represented groups.
We are also proposing that no prime minister can serve more than two terms, as outlined in Vision 2030.
Will BNP raise its voice against the framing of journalists, businessmen, artists, and sportsmen in murder cases?
The BNP is not involved in framing anyone in such cases. However, during the recent movement against discrimination, some individuals were killed, and it is up to their families to decide whom they will sue.
Our concern is whether these cases are being investigated properly and following due process. During Hasina’s rule, investigations were dictated by orders from the Prime Minister’s Office or the Law Ministry. Now, we hope the legal system will function independently and correctly.
While we cannot control the actions of grieving families, we urge everyone to avoid filing cases out of revenge.
What is BNP’s main challenge at the moment?
We have instructed our leaders and activists to refrain from politics based on revenge. For years, they were tortured, jailed, and separated from their families. Many have been crippled just for supporting the BNP.
There are over 6 million cases against BNP leaders and activists, from the highest levels to the grassroots. Despite this, we are committed to creating a new form of politics, free from corruption, opposition to public interest, violence, and revenge.
Even though it is painful, we are demoting some loyal leaders and activists to establish this new political order.
Jamaat-e-Islami may regain its registration. What will be the BNP’s relationship with them in that case?
We don’t have any party-specific decisions. The reform proposals we’ve made align with the national unity agenda.
We are open to working with those who share this vision, including those who have supported these reforms in the past.
