According to Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, the party’s 31-point plan will set Bangladesh on a new course.

He underlined that the BNP wants to use the votes of the people to create a democratic Bangladesh. Bangladesh will have a new route according to the 31-point agenda.

He made these statements as the main speaker at a seminar on the BNP’s 31-point proclamation that was hosted Thursday in a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka.

The seminar, chaired by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, was attended by leaders of various political parties, ambassadors from different countries in Bangladesh, and representatives of civil society.

Tarique Rahman noted that the 31-point agenda addresses the aspirations of the people, saying: “The foundation of these points was laid by Ziaur Rahman’s 19-point program and Khaleda Zia’s Vision 2030. Everything the current government claims as reforms is already included in the 31 points. We won’t implement reforms merely on paper; ours will ensure the rights of all citizens.”

He added: “Bangladesh will be a democratic nation where there is no place for fascism. People’s rights will not be suppressed, and their aspirations will be fulfilled. For this, we need an elected government. If the BNP comes to power through elections, it will work to fulfil the people’s aspirations.”

Tarique Rahman stressed that the BNP believes in freedom of expression for the media and the public.

“We want to ensure every citizen’s freedom of speech. During our government, newspapers made cartoons of Begum Khaleda Zia and me. There was propaganda against us in the media, yet we didn’t restrict anyone. The BNP believes in freedom of speech for citizens and journalists,” he added.

Addressing the seminar, Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Islam urged the BNP to learn from past mistakes if it comes to power, saying: “We have been deceived many times in the past. But we want to trust the 31-point agenda this time. If you don’t implement it, people will see you as betraying your promises.”

Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Rafiqul Islam said: “National unity is necessary to implement the BNP’s 31 points. We hope that these points will lead to a modern Bangladesh.”

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, convener of Nagarik Oikya, called for necessary reforms and a quick election, saying: “Implement the reforms needed for elections. For the past 15 years, we have fought for the right to vote. If you truly support democracy, then hold elections. Reform the Election Commission and police, and hold elections promptly.”