Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today emphasized that the people are the cornerstone of BNP’s political power. He asserted, “No conspiracy can defeat us if the people stay with us,” highlighting the essential role of public support in political success. Rahman also mentioned that if BNP is given the mandate to govern in future, establishing an ‘Education Reform Commission’ will be a top priority.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rahman delivered these remarks during his virtual address at the National Teachers’ Conference. The event, organized by the pro-BNP teachers-employees organization Shikkhak-Karmachari Oikya Jote, took place at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium. The conference was held to commemorate the 89th birth anniversary of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and National Teachers’ Day.
In his speech, Tarique Rahman emphasized the need for a knowledge-based society to maintain global competitiveness. He stated that the current major challenge is to foster such a society, which requires enrichment in logic, argument, talent, thinking, knowledge, and science.
Prominent figures such as BNP Standing Committee Members Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Begum Selima Rahman, along with Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed, also spoke at the event, chaired by Selim Bhaiya, the president of the host organization.
Tarique Rahman expressed the necessity of modernizing the education system and ensuring socio-economic security for teachers. He raised concerns about teachers facing hardship and lacking societal respect, questioning how they can serve as role models for students under such conditions.
He called for state and government initiatives to create a conducive educational environment where teachers can confidently present themselves as role models. Rahman stressed that teaching is not just a job; it is the state’s responsibility to make it appealing to the most talented individuals by ensuring economic prosperity and respect.
Highlighting the importance of teachers in society, Rahman proposed inviting teachers to national events like Independence Day and Victory Day, believing this would positively impact students by seeing their teachers in esteemed positions.
Rahman also advocated for a purified political climate, emphasizing that everything in a democratic state is governed by political decisions. He mentioned BNP’s 31-point reform outline, developed in consultation with democratic parties, to reform the state, politics, and political parties, with a commitment to implement these reforms if granted the mandate.
Addressing the distortion of the state constitution, Rahman criticized the fugitive dictator for transforming it into a party constitution and rendering institutions like the Election Commission and the ACC ineffective. He noted that although there are procedural differences between BNP’s reform outline and the interim government’s reform program, there is no fundamental conflict.
Rahman reiterated BNP’s support for both reforms and elections, stressing their importance. He also pointed out the need to control commodity prices to keep them within the reach of low-income groups and urged BNP leaders and activists to remain vigilant against misinformation and debates regarding party activities.