Election delays will fuel conspiracies: Tarique Rahman

Delays in holding the national election will lead to an increase in conspiracies, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman said today (23 November).

"The autocrat [Awami League] has been ousted by a mass uprising. However, they are plotting conspiracies with their local and foreign allies," Tarique said virtually during his chief guest address at the Chuadanga District BNP conference, held for the first time in nearly 14 years.

"Delays in holding elections will only exacerbate the problems caused by AL, such as issues in public healthcare, the education system, difficulties faced by farmers, challenges for businesses, flaws in the judiciary, and inefficiencies in administration.

"Only through an election the country can gradually solve these problems," he added.

Tarique further said a national election is necessary to return power of the country to the people. "For over a decade, various political parties, including the BNP, have waged movements to establish [people's] rights…for the right to speak and to establish economic freedom. Election is necessary to implement that goal,"

Chuadanga district BNP holds conference after 14 years

Bangladesh has become free from dictatorship and is now being run by the interim government, he said, noting that all political parties have waged their own movements to free the country from this dictatorship. 

Addressing the government, the BNP leader said 20 crore people are looking up to those currently running the country. "You have to understand the huge responsibility on your shoulders… Only then will the people accept you warmly."

Tarique further said the 31-point agenda, his party had unveiled in July 2023 aimed at reforming the constitution and state system and ensuring economic emancipation, must be implemented.