Acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman has taken a swipe at India for sheltering ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, saying that the Indian action has caused antagonism among the people of the country.
In the second part of his interview with BBC Bangla published on Tuesday, he also made his position clear with respect to future relationship between Bangladesh and India.
During the interview, Tarique, who has been in exile in the United Kingdom since 2007, also talked about diplomacy, the military-backed 1/11 government, the current interim government and its reform activities, the politics of BNP, the 31-point charter, the July Charter, freedom of press and social media.
“If they (India) face resentment from the people of Bangladesh by giving shelter to autocrat, there is nothing we can do. People of Bangladesh have decided to give them (India) cold shoulder. So, I must stand with the people of the country,” Tarique said in response to queries on Hasina and subsequent frosty Dhaka-Delhi ties.
Responding to a volley of questions on Bangladesh-India relations, the BNP acting chairman, without mentioning any names, placed great emphasis on justness, saying, “I want what is justly mine.”
“Bangladesh comes first. Here, you mentioned a particular country. But it’s not about that country or any other country. The main point is that Bangladesh’s interests come first for me. I will prioritise the interests of my country and my people. Whatever I do, I will do while upholding and protecting those interests,” he said.
“Of course, I demand Bangladesh’s fair share of water. And of course, I do not want to see another Felani hanging from the border fence. We will never accept that,” he said.
When pressed, Tarique said, “No, no — I was giving examples. I explained with two examples what our stand will be. We want our share of the water. That means I want my country’s share, my people’s share — I want what is due to us.
“By referring to Felani’s murder, I meant to show that if harm is inflicted on my people, I will certainly not accept it,” he said.
To a question on diplomacy a future government will pursue, Tarique said, “BNP has one fundamental principle — Bangladesh first. In diplomacy, the BNP’s policy is “Bangladesh first.” My people, my country, my sovereignty. Keeping that intact, prioritising its interests, and holding those interests firm above everything else.”
“I am Bangladeshi. To me, the interests of Bangladesh come first; the interests of the Bangladeshi people come first. So, no matter who says what — Bangladesh comes first, simple as that. There’s nothing complicated about it; it’s a straightforward matter,” he added.
As asked to assess the 1/11 government that sent him to exile, Tarique said in short, it was an ill-motivated government.
“We saw how, despite various setbacks and challenges, the country’s politics and democratic foundations were gradually developing, with all their flaws and mistakes. But we also saw how they tried to destroy everything, to depoliticise everything, and to take the country in a dark direction. Later, we saw, perhaps, another form of them—what we witnessed “in the name of democracy.”
About Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, the BNP leader said his party wants the administration to succeed and that the main task of it is to hold free, fair and neutral elections.
“Essentially, the main goal of the current government is to hold a fair, neutral, and free election along with some essential reforms—those that simply must be done. We expect that they will properly fulfil the main responsibilities entrusted to them. That is what we, as a political party, expect from them,” he said.
To a question, Tarique said, “I think whatever good I have seen or learned in this country (UK), as a citizen of Bangladesh and as a political worker, I see it as an opportunity to do something good for my country and my people.”
“If I get that opportunity, I will do everything I can to use it in the service of the people and for the betterment of Bangladesh,” he said.
“The main goal or objective of our politics is the people, the country, and the sovereignty of the nation,” Tarique said, adding that BNP would build a strong foundation for democracy and establish accountability,” said the elder son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and former president Ziaur Rahman.
However, he stressed, “And yes, realistically speaking, if I do get that opportunity, change will not happen overnight. You also have to understand that you are part of the process of nation-building. So are millions of others like you. All I can say is yes—we are committed, and we will try our best to perform our best.”
On BNP’s 31-point agenda and July charter, Tarique said, “We will first emphasise the things (of July Charter) on which we have reached agreement. Whatever you call them, naturally the items on which everyone agreed in the Consensus Commission — if we get the opportunity to form a government, we will certainly prioritize those first.”
“And regarding what you mentioned about the 31-point agenda: the 31 points are our political commitment to the people. Of the items in our 31 points that overlap with these, we will of course implement them. The other items contained in the 31 points will also be implemented,” he said.
About press freedom, the BNP acting chairman assured that freedom of press would be ensured should a BNP government assume office.
“We will all sit together and discuss. We will consult with you, including journalists, and after discussion, we will gradually amend those oppressive laws that exist,” he said.
Regarding social media, Tarique said, “Since we believe in democracy, we believe in freedom of speech and individual liberty. Every person has the right to express their opinion.”
However, he laid emphasis on addressing issues like disinformation and misinformation to safeguard the interests of people.
