BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman said raising questions like "reforms first or elections first" is misleading and aimed at confusing people.

Speaking at the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) annual conference on Monday (November 25), he discussed the current political situation in the country.

Tarique Rahman said, "There is no conflict between BNP and the interim government over the reform process. The aim of those raising such questions is to confuse the public."

He further explained that BNP views the reform process as an ongoing one, emphasizing that reforms are not a one-time event. "Reforms should be continued by successive governments," he said.

Tarique also stressed the importance of democratic political culture and said, "Without qualitative improvement in democratic political culture, mere formal reforms would be ineffective." 

He said that for reforms to be effective, the government must first address the daily hardships of the people, adding "Unless the basic needs of the public are met, the benefits of reforms cannot be achieved."

The annual general meeting of DUJ, supported by BNP, was held at the National Press Club. The meeting began with a condolence motion, followed by reports from the General Secretary and the Treasurer.

Tarique Rahman mentioned that the proposal includes the establishment of a media commission, which will ensure freedom of the press. "We are working towards a state and society where there will be no indifference in cases like the Sagar-Runi murder and where people's freedom of speech will be guaranteed," he added.

He also urged journalists to maintain objectivity in their work, emphasizing that during the fascist era, objectivity was almost lost in media outlets. "Differences of opinion are a part of democratic culture," he said.

Tarique concluded by stressing that the final judgment belongs to the people, not the illegitimate state power. He paid tribute to the martyrs of the student uprising and called for employment opportunities for journalists dismissed during the fascist regime.

The event, presided over by DUJ President Shafiqul Islam, saw the participation of various political and media personalities, including Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, BNP Standing Committee Member Professor A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, and others.

BDST: 1940 HRS, NOV 25, 2024
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