With the national election approaching, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday stressed that political promises must remain realistic, warning that pledges beyond capacity amount to a betrayal of the people.
He made the remarks at a policy-focused townhall, “DESH Townhall: The Future of Bangladesh,” organized by the DESH Foundation at the National Archives in Dhaka.
The event brought together political leaders, academics, researchers, journalists, and young professionals for open discussions on democracy, governance, and the country’s political trajectory.
The session began with a prayer for the recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
Expressing deep concern over her health, Rizvi said, “Our beloved leader is going through one of the most difficult phases of her life. We are living in anxiety and fear every day. I pray for her recovery.”
On the state of democracy, he said, “Restoring people’s trust in the political process is now the greatest challenge. Without transparent, participatory, and credible elections, democracy cannot stand on firm ground.”
Asked about political pledges, he emphasized, “Promises must be within one’s capacity. A promise beyond capacity is essentially a deception to the people, and people will never forgive that. BNP does not believe in misleading the public to gain power.”
Highlighting the role of youth, Rizvi added, “The ability of young people to question and analyze will shape Bangladesh’s future. They are no longer swayed by false promises.”
Key discussion themes included democratic renewal, minority rights and security, foreign policy positioning, sovereign decision-making, inclusive state structures, and political tolerance.
Rizvi also commented on public sentiment:
“People have entrusted their mandate to the sheaf of paddy. They still place their confidence in the nationalist ideology.”
The event was coordinated by DESH Foundation Director Debojit Saha and hosted by Directors Tausif Akib Khan and Ahmed Ehsan Kabir Shaan.
Organizers said the insights gathered through such townhalls would contribute to the foundation’s policy research, recommendations, and efforts to strengthen democratic governance.
Reflecting on the symbolic significance of December, Tausif Akib Khan said, “This month reminds us who we are as a nation and what responsibilities we owe to future generations. The DESH Townhall provides a platform where citizens can hear clear policy perspectives, long-term visions, and accountable commitments from national leaders.”
DESH Foundation, a non-partisan think tank, works to expand civic participation, strengthen democratic institutions, and promote a fair and inclusive policy landscape rooted in dialogue, evidence, and democratic values.
