BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman emphasized the importance of addressing public issues in parallel with ongoing discussions on political reforms.

Speaking virtually at an iftar event on Sunday, Tarique urged political parties to not only focus on state reforms but also to consider the people’s pressing needs and expectations.

“The people of Bangladesh have high expectations from political leaders and parties. While we are discussing the distribution of power and authority, we must also focus on what the people truly want,” Tarique stated during the event, which was organized by Jatiyatabadi Somomona Jote in honor of prominent political figures.

Tarique underscored that in a true democracy, political parties must prioritize the welfare of the people, as they are the ultimate decision-makers. He also reminded the attendees that Bangladesh’s independence came at the cost of countless sacrifices, and the country`s democracy has often been threatened by various autocratic regimes, most recently over the past 15 years.

Reflecting on the July-August mass uprising, Tarique noted that the success of the movement was a direct result of widespread public support. “The people’s desire for change was clear, and they stood with political parties to remove the autocratic regime. Now, it`s time for political parties to respond to their demands,” he said.

While acknowledging ongoing debates on reforms such as changes to the parliamentary system and the role of the Prime Minister, Tarique reminded political parties to also consider the needs of the people. He stated, “The people are our greatest asset in politics. It is essential that we listen to their issues and work towards addressing them.”

Tarique also highlighted that BNP had been the first to recognize the need for state and institutional reforms, presenting a comprehensive 31-point proposal two and a half years ago. “We saw how the previous regime systematically destroyed key institutions in the country, from education and healthcare to the judiciary and electoral system,” he explained.

He further asserted that these institutions need to be rebuilt, especially the electoral system, which had been undermined by the past government. Tarique concluded by reiterating that the success of Bangladesh’s political future depends on addressing public concerns and restoring the integrity of the state’s institutions. “Without fixing the state structure, we cannot build the country according to the people`s expectations,” he said.