BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that the primary goal of ongoing reforms made by the interim government should be the establishment of an elected government and a functioning parliament.
“Reforms must prioritise forming a government and parliament accountable to the people, composed of elected representatives,” Tarique Rahman said, speaking virtually from London to a massive gathering in front of the BNP’s central office in the capital’s Nayapaltan on Tuesday.

The rally, chaired by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, was part of nationwide protests marking International Democracy Day. Senior BNP leaders were also in attendance.
Tarique Rahman said that true democracy, development, and reform can only be achieved through the active involvement and empowerment of the people.
Regarding discussions surrounding the formation of a new political party by leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, he said, “If someone feels the need for a new political party for the betterment and safety of Bangladesh, there is nothing wrong with that.”

“The people will ultimately decide which party they will support. The BNP has always stressed the importance of the people’s right to vote,” he added.
The acting chairman also spoke on the political climate in the country, saying that discussions about mass movements or reform initiatives are part of a healthy democratic process. “It is normal for everyone to express their views. As political activists, we know that our actions are judged by the people.”
Tarique Rahman said that while the interim government has the people’s support, it must work to ensure accountability through an elected parliament.
Criticising the so-called “mafia government” of the past 15 years, he said its beneficiaries are still trying to undermine the interim government from within the administration and political circles.
“This interim government was born from a mass uprising and the sacrifice of thousands. While there may be shortcomings, its failure would be the failure of all,” he said adding that the conspirators might try to exploit any lapses in the government’s agenda.

The BNP leader urged the Election Commission to focus on reforming public administration and law enforcement agencies. Emphasising that if the interim government fails to prioritise its reform agenda, Tarique said that conspirators could capitalise on this and jeopardise the progress of the mass movement.
The BNP previously unveiled a 31-point reform programme in 2023, in the presence of representatives from various democratic parties, but Rahman said that these reforms are not final. “Reforms are a continuous process. BNP is open to revising the 31-point plan to meet People’s needs better.”
He urged political leaders to embrace change, not just in policy but in behaviour. “Qualitative change in politics requires a qualitative change in the conduct of political leaders and activists. We must be ready to lead a knowledge-based state and society.”

He said that patience and compromise are required. He also talked about cautioning against conflict and revenge. “The path to reform must be peaceful. We will follow the electoral roadmap and earn the people’s trust through our actions.”
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, speaking at the rally, called on the people to resist any attempts to undermine democracy.
He warned of “fascist elements” still present in the government and bureaucracy, conspiring against democracy. “We must build resistance against these conspiracies,” he said.
Thousands of BNP supporters gathered at the rally, arriving from Dhaka and surrounding districts such as Gazipur, Narayanganj, and Munshiganj. The rally spread across the streets of Motijheel, Kakrail, Shantinagar, and Paltan, turning into a sea of people. Similar rallies were held in divisional cities in the country, with central BNP leaders leading the events.
The rally concluded with Tarique Rahman’s call for unity, urging the government to support the families of martyrs and those injured during the mass uprising.