BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has warned that Bangladesh could face a deeper crisis if discussions on proposed reforms continue to be delayed.

Speaking virtually from London on Sunday, during a workshop organized by Dhaka Metropolitan South BNP, Rahman expressed concern over prolonged discussions surrounding election and governance reforms.

He warned that further delays in the election process would provide an opportunity for ousted autocratic forces to regain influence in the country.

Rahman highlighted the united effort of Bangladeshis from all walks of life to oust dictatorship, cautioning that any delay in moving forward with the electoral and governance reforms would allow these forces to exploit the situation.

"The longer we delay, the more the country will plunge into a crisis, giving space for conspirators to act. There is no alternative to elections," he stressed.

The BNP leader emphasized that the implementation of reform proposals is dependent on holding elections first. He argued that only through an electoral mandate could a government be empowered to execute the necessary reforms.

"Whether it’s the BNP’s reforms or those proposed by interim government commissions, the process must begin with elections. There is no other way forward," Rahman asserted.

While acknowledging that elections won’t immediately resolve all of the country’s problems, Rahman argued that they are essential for accountability.

“Once elections are held and a government is formed with the people's mandate, it will be able to systematically address the country’s challenges,” he explained.

In his address to party leaders and activists, Rahman urged them to commit to fulfilling the reform pledges made by the BNP.

“Through today’s workshop, let us all promise that if the people entrust us with the responsibility of governance, we will honor our reform commitments,” he stated.

The workshop, titled 31-Point State Structure Repair and Public Engagement, was held at Balur Math in Kadamtali, Shyampur, and was attended by thousands of BNP leaders and activists from the Dhaka South unit’s 24 police stations, along with members of 11 affiliated organizations.

The event was chaired by Rafiqul Alam Majnu, Convener of Dhaka Metropolitan South BNP, and moderated by Member Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin.

Other key speakers included BNP’s Trade Affairs Secretary Alhaj Salahuddin Ahmed and Mahadi Amin, Advisor to the Acting Chairman.

—-