Satyajit Das (Moulvibazar Correspondent):
BNP central leader M Naser Rahman said, "The people of Bangladesh want change, and that is why BNP will win two-thirds of the seats if there is a fair election."
District BNP member secretary Abdur Rahim Ripon said on Saturday (February 22) that he made the remarks as the chief guest at the meeting to form the ward committee of Moulvibazar Municipality BNP on Friday (February 21) night.
Naser Rahman said, "It is important for us to have competition, because democracy is strengthened through competition. But fair elections are not possible under the current government. The administration and law enforcement agencies are being used for party interests, which is undermining the people's right to vote."
He further said, "There are rumors of forming a new party in the country. We have no problem with it, but if the government directly or indirectly cooperates in forming a new party, then the people will understand that. The people are with us, so even if they try to divide the BNP's votes, it will not be beneficial."
Naser Rahman criticized the current government and said, "For the past 15 years, Sheikh Hasina's government has tried to destroy BNP, but it has not been able to. Our leader Begum Khaleda Zia has been imprisoned in a false case, and our acting chairman Tarique Rahman is not being allowed to return to the country."
He further said, "No matter how much the conspiracy to wipe out the BNP, we survive with the love of the people. We are not in danger of being lost in the pages of history like the Awami League and the Jatiya Party."
Naser Rahman said, "We have already proposed constitutional reforms. If BNP comes to power:-
1) The power of the Prime Minister will be limited.
2) A bicameral parliament will be formed.
3) The independence of the judiciary will be ensured.
4) The Election Commission will be completely reformed.
He further said, "There is no need to postpone the elections for these reforms. We will implement these in the elected parliament itself."
Naser Rahman also spoke about the effectiveness of local government. He said, "Upazila Parishads and Zilla Parishads are not working effectively now. Administration officials do not care about Upazila chairmen, and government money is being wasted. This system needs extensive reform."
The meeting, chaired by Moulvibazar Municipality BNP convener Syed Momshad Ahmed, was attended by District BNP member secretary Abdur Rahim Ripon as special guests. District BNP leaders, Yubadal and Chhatra Dal leaders also spoke.
