BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said a democratic system, ensuring people’s right to vote, must be established to address the country’s problems and resist all forms of conspiracy against the nation.
Speaking virtually at a training programme of Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal, he also announced that if his party returns to power, they will re-launch the canal digging programme initiated by BNP founder Ziaur Rahman in the late 1970s to address farmers' water crises and boost agricultural production in an effort to reduce food imports.
“The conspiracies against the country, its people, and the nationalist forces have not stopped. The nationalist forces must alert everyone, including those in rural areas, and convey the message that the problems in all sectors cannot be resolved until we establish a democratic system,” the BNP leader said.
He also said without true representatives accountable to people, it will not be possible to control the market or eliminate business syndicates. "In the same way, it will be impossible to develop any sector of the country, from education to industry, or to contain corruption, or achieve any positive progress without a democratic system."
Tarique urged the nationalist forces also to convey a message to the people, even at the union level, that the voting rights of citizens must be safeguarded at all costs. “You must tell the people that, regardless of which party’s politics they support or who they wish to vote for, their voting rights must be ensured.”
He also said no more sham elections or voting at night should be allowed in Bangladesh. “Voting must take place in daylight. There should be the freedom to vote for anyone you choose, and the freedom to vote safely. No one should be allowed to disturb and intimidate others.”
The BNP leader said the election must be held in a fair and neutral manner without any fear. “If we can ensure this, we will gradually be able to ease the problems facing the country and its people.”
The BNP leader also said that people's right to franchise must be restored to thwart all forms of plots.
Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal organised the day-long programme at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh.
Tarique shared his party's future plans to improve the agriculture sector, enhance facilities for farmers, and take effective steps to increase all forms of agricultural production in order to keep commodity prices within the purchasing power of the common people.
He also said Krishak Dal, the peasant wing of BNP, will be strengthened by involving more genuine farmers in the future."
