BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that the interim government inherited a nation devastated by a dictatorship, emphasising that while the public’s concerns about the government’s performance after three months are valid, inefficiency in governance will not be easily accepted.

Speaking as the chief guest at the 3rd council session of the Nationalist Textile Engineers Association of Bangladesh (JTEB) held at the Institute of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) on Saturday (November 16), Tarique Rahman highlighted the challenges of rebuilding after years of mismanagement under what he described as a “mafia government.”

“If priorities are misplaced during reform efforts, it will be seen as inefficiency by the people,” he said. Referring to a recent incident where injured individuals were discharged without adequate care, he added, “The question arises why rehabilitation, treatment, and safety of the injured were not higher on the priority list.”

Criticising the previous regime for creating a dependency on imports, loans, and external influences, Tarique Rahman said, “The country must be freed from such reliance and enriched by any means.”

He shared BNP’s plans to make the garment sector more globally competitive and boost foreign investment in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), emphasising inclusivity and innovation.

He further linked political instability to economic challenges, stating, “If a nation’s politics is unhealthy, its economy cannot thrive. The so-called megaprojects presented during the autocratic period are now revealing their true costs.”

Tarique Rahman iterated BNP’s commitment to its 31-point development charter, calling it a roadmap for the nation’s future. He emphasised the importance of quality education, converting the population into a skilled workforce, and fostering development in healthcare, employment, and security.

Acknowledging the interim government’s initiative to reform the Election Commission, he said, “The people hope for a neutral and transparent voting environment to elect their representatives. Once the government establishes trust in its commitment to protecting voting rights, the relationship with the people will strengthen.”

“Our goal is to improve living conditions, education, employment opportunities, healthcare, and security. In the past, BNP has worked to achieve these whenever entrusted with the people`s vote,” he said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir added, “The interim government’s focus on electoral reforms is a step we support. However, we must remain vigilant and continue our movement to establish true democracy.”

Other prominent BNP leaders, including Standing Committee member Abdul Moin Khan, Vice Chairman Joynal Abedin, and Adviser Abdus Salam, also addressed the event, which saw the election of Fakhrul Alam as JTEB President and AKM Ruhul Amin Akand as General Secretary through a secret ballot.