BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday said his party will reinstate the provision of caretaker government in the constitution for the sake of a free, fair and neutral election if elected.

"The ownership of Bangladesh belongs to the people of this country and it is their fair democratic right to elect their representatives through exercising their voting right freely. We want to reinstate the caretaker government system in the constitution to restore the people's right to vote," he said.

The BNP leader was speaking at a view-exchange with the party men of the Khulna division as part of a series of meetings with the grassroots leaders and activists of the party. He joined the programme virtually from London.

Tarique Rahman said the BNP included a caretaker government system in the constitution in 1996 to ensure people's right to vote but the Sheikh Hasina-led autocratic government scrapped the provision in a bid to deprive the people of their franchise.

He asked the party leaders and activists across the country to remain vigilant and united to face the visible opponent, Awami League, as well as numerous invisible opponents.

The BNP leader also directed them to convey the message among people about the 31-point state reform proposal placed by the BNP to fulfil the expectations of the people and build a modern Bangladesh in the future.

He reiterated his immense confidence in the grassroots of the party, saying the grassroots was the strength of the party during its all crises.

Tarique Rahman said the party has gained the trust and love of the people by enduring years of struggle and sacrifices. "Now destroying the trust and confidence with the whimsical activities of some derailed people will not be allowed."

He said the party will not only expel those responsible but also take legal action against them for tarnishing the party's image.

The BNP acting chairman asked the party men to set an example by giving replies to all the injustice made to the party, not by violence, but by fulfilling the expectations of the country’s people.

He said the party's politics gives priority to fulfilling the expectations of the common people, ensuring their security, freedom of speech, right to do business and trade in peace, employment of youth, dignity and security of women, ensuring equal rights for all irrespective of religion and caste, establishing the rule of law in the country, bringing balance between the judiciary and the executive branches, ensuring health facilities for all and fair prices for agricultural products and above all protecting independence and sovereignty of the country.

BDST: 1429 HRS, SEP 3, 2024
MSK