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Tarique said the faster reforms are implemented, the quicker it will be possible to protect the country and its people from danger. “I believe accountability to people can be ensured through elections. Everyone must understand this.”

He said some people ask whether all the country’s problems will be solved by holding just an election. “I say, no, not all problems will be solved immediately. But through elections, through the votes and decisions of the people, the party or persons given the opportunity to govern the country will gradually begin to untangle the knots and resolve the problems.”

Tarique cautioned that the autocrats, driven out by all the people of Bangladesh, irrespective of political party or profession, will once again find an opportunity to re-establish themselves if the election process is delayed and discussions on reforms drag on for too long.

“So, from a political party’s position, I appeal to all wise and respected individuals in society who are talking about reforms not to prolong these discussions. The longer you extend talks on reforms, the deeper the country will fall into crisis. The longer you extend the discussions, the more opportunity the conspirators will have to plot,” he said.

Tarique also vowed that if their party is voted into power, they will try their utmost to fulfil the reform promises they have made to the people.

He said the BNP wants to bring about a qualitative change in politics by implementing the 31-point proposal, alongside taking effective steps to keep commodity prices within the people’s buying capacity, ensuring fair prices for agricultural produce, and providing quality and cost-effective education and healthcare services.

Stating that traffic congestion and pollution are two major problems in Dhaka city, Tarique said effective steps must be taken, if BNP returns to power, to improve the traffic situation and air quality.

He said it is not possible for any government alone to resolve all civic problems without the help of the people. “So, city dwellers must remain alert and play a responsible role in overcoming many civic problems. There are many such problems in the country, and we must take measures to address them gradually,” Tarique said.

He said the autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina destroyed institutions and plundered public money in the name of development, as it was not accountable to the people. “When public representatives are elected through free and fair elections, they remain accountable to the people.”

Tarique said many BNP leaders and activists endured torture in the struggle to restore people’s rights. “To restore people’s rights, accountability must be ensured, and accountability is ensured through elections.”

From the national to local and institutional levels, he said, elections must be held regularly after a stipulated time to ensure good governance.