Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman has said Bangladesh will be governed according to the will of its people, stressing the restoration of political rights and unity across the nation.

Speaking virtually on Monday (11 August) as chief guest at the BNP council in Naogaon, Tarique Rahman said, “For over a decade, we have been demanding the establishment of the people’s political rights. Bangladesh belongs to its 20 crore citizens, and the country must be run in line with the will of the majority.”

He emphasised that voting rights are the primary tool for the people to decide who governs for a fixed term. “The first step in establishing people’s rights is the vote — a right for which many in this country have faced abduction, killing, imprisonment and repression,” he said.

Tarique Rahman stressed BNP’s willingness to work with all political stakeholders. “We want unity with everyone. We do not wish to belittle anyone and will respect all opinions,” he said, adding that BNP’s 31-point reform plan outlines the changes needed to rebuild the state according to the people’s will.

He claimed the proposals closely match those of the government’s consensus commission, with only minor differences.
Highlighting BNP’s governance experience, he said the party expects elections to be held in February as announced by the interim government.
The next election will not be easy,” he warned, recalling his prediction a year ago that invisible forces were working behind the scenes to create conspiracies.
“No matter how many conspiracies there are, if the BNP family remains united, we will be successful, Inshallah,” he added.