Unity, economic reforms, rule of law main goals

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and prime minister-apparent Tarique Rahman prioritizes national unity, economic reforms and the rule of law under is upcoming government.

He explains that national unity is the collective strength of the country and both the government and the opposition must work together for national development.

Addressing a press briefing Saturday after the 13th National Parliamentary Election that earned his party an absolute majority in parliament, he said, "This victory belongs to Bangladesh. This victory belongs to the people. Many people sacrificed their lives for democracy. From today, we test the true essence of freedom."

The press briefing was organised by the party at a city hotel, where he faced critical questions from local and foreign journalists on issues ranging from economy, domestic politics, and post-uprising national reconciliation to relations with major neighbouring countries.

Mr Rahman congratulated the people of Bangladesh for their courage and sacrifice during what he described as more than one and a half decades of authoritarian rule.

He said the journey was long and difficult, but the people remained patient and determined.

He said 51 political parties, including BNP and other allied parties, participated in the democratic movement. He congratulated all parties for their role in restoring democracy.

"In a democratic state, both the government and the opposition are responsible for protecting democracy," he notes. "We may have differences of opinion, but we are united when it comes to interest of the country."

He reaffirmed that BNP will implement its 31-point reform agenda and fulfill all promises made to the people. "This is a very important time for the nation. The people have once again given BNP a mandate, and we will honour it through our collective efforts."

Recalling the role of former Prime Minister late Begum Khaleda Zia, he described her as an uncompromising leader who fought against fascism and stood firm during difficult times.

Tarique Rahman sent in a message for BNP leaders and activists: remain calm and prevent any wrongdoing that could harm the democratic victory.

"Now it is time to build the country and focus on development," he said, reminding that the victory was achieved through patience, struggle, and prayers.

Answering a question from a foreign journalist, he said the BNP will focus on multilateral relations with all nations. The party will follow its policy of "friendship with all, malice toward none," based on mutual respect.

He also said that relations with India, China, Pakistan, or any other country for that matter, will be guided by mutual respect and mutual benefit.

Responding to a question about election engineering, which both BNP and Jamaat-led alliances have mentioned, Mr. Rahman said, "Convincing people is the real engineering needed to win an election."

The BNP Chairman also stressed the highest importance of maintaining peace and order in the country, against the backdrop of political upheavals and unrest.

He said law and order must be kept normal at  any cost, and no violence, revenge, or provocative activities will be tolerated.

BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the victory represents the triumph of liberal democracy.

He claims that over the past decade, around six million people were persecuted, hundreds were killed, and many  disappeared during political unrest.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said the previous authoritarian government left the financial sector in a chaotic and unstable condition.

BNP will bring reform in the financial sector as per its manifesto.

Senior BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan, in his concluding remarks, called upon all citizens to help rebuild the nation.

He thanked both local and foreign observers and welcomed members of the domestic and international press who attended the programme.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said the past authoritarian regime left the financial sector in a haphazard condition.

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