Staff Correspondent : BNP chief Tarique Rahman has vowed to implement the party’s election pledges “step by step” after securing a decisive victory in the Feb 12 vote. Addressing journalists for the first time since the party’s landslide win, Tarique said the BNP would honour the promises made to voters.“The BNP had presented a roadmap of state reforms to seek the people’s mandate. The 31-point reform plan was formulated through consultations with other democratic parties and citizens across the country,” he said at a press conference held at the Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon.
He added that the BNP had also signed the July Charter, while placing notes of dissent on several issues.“We are committed to the people. We will implement every pledge in phases.”Journalists from home and abroad attended the press conference held in the ballroom of Hotel InterContinental.
Tarique called for unity to translate the BNP’s decisive mandate into tangible improvements for the people of Bangladesh.Vowing to transition from political struggle to nation-building, Tarique urged all party members to act responsibly as they embark on the task of reconstructing Bangladesh.The BNP chief reminded party leaders and activists of his directive not to hold any victory processions in order to maintain peace and order.
“We have celebrated this victory — a triumph for democracy and the restoration of people’s rights — calmly, peacefully, and with a sense of responsibility,” he said. He urged BNP leaders and activists at all levels across the country to remain calm and vigilant and avoid reacting to provocations.“I have a clear message — peace and order must be maintained at any cost. We will not tolerate any kind of injustice or illegal activity,” he said.
“Regardless of political ties, faith, or background — and despite any difference of opinion — we will never permit the strong to oppress the weak under any circumstances.”Tarique, who returned to Bangladesh in December last year after more than 15 years in exile in the UK, is set to become prime minister after winning his first parliamentary election.
