BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has accused Bangladesh’s interim government of failing to set clear national priorities, warning that a lack of sound judgment could jeopardize the country’s fragile democratic transition.
Speaking virtually at a rally organized by Dhaka District BNP on Wednesday afternoon in Sripur, Ashulia, Rahman questioned whether the administration is truly prioritizing the people’s mandate despite its pledge to support elections at the academic, local, and national levels.
“The people have overthrown fascism and entrusted the interim government with the responsibility of running the state to secure their rightful place in governance,” Rahman said. “But a part of the administration is relying on various underhanded tactics, and that calls into question its ability to set national priorities with discretion.”
He warned of lingering loyalty to the old guard, suggesting they are simply “waiting for an opportunity” to return. This, he claimed, could shatter the fragile transition, as any government error risks ushering in an era of extremism and militancy.
Rahman framed the BNP’s political vision as one centered on citizens and their rights. He stressed that no one can truly represent the public without maintaining direct contact with them.
He defined his party’s goal as creating a system where citizens can “speak freely, vote independently, and form or change governments.” He then insisted that holding free, fair, and neutral elections is the only way to get there. According to him, political stability is a direct result of allowing people to elect their representatives at all levels.
The BNP leader also spoke about the sacrifices made in recent years, including during the July uprising, which he said were aimed at dismantling dictatorship and building a system where political and economic empowerment of the population prevents authoritarianism from returning.
“A strong and sustainable political system cannot be built without empowering the people,” Rahman said. “If the government and leadership become accountable to the people, qualitative changes in politics are possible. The state, politics, and people all grow stronger together.”
The rally, held at Darul Ihsan Madrasa field, was presided over by Dhaka District BNP President Khandaker Abu Ashfaq and conducted by General Secretary Nipun Roy.
