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Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday urged political parties to present proposals to the nation to address public issues, rather than focusing only on reforms to the state structure and institutions.

‘Instead of merely discussing the caretaker government system, the constitutional framework, and the voting and electoral system, there should be more emphasis on how the problems of people will be resolved,’ he said during an iftar programme.

The Nationalist Democratic Movement organised the iftar party in honour of political parties at the Bangladesh Shooting Sport Federation Convention Hall in the capital.

Tarique believed that just as there should be discussions and proposals regarding the control of prices for essential goods, the market system, and the production system, there should also be debates among political parties on how to ensure primary healthcare for the people in this populous nation of approximately 200 million.

‘Why aren’t we talking about these issues?’ he asked.

He also said that whether formulating laws and regulations to restore the caretaker government and limiting any individual to two terms as prime minister were considered reforms. ‘Isn’t reform necessary to change the market system, boost production and improve the healthcare and education systems?’

‘As political parties are meant to serve people; they should also focus on many other critical issues related to the public’s interests. For example, most people in the country are suffering severely due to the rising prices of essential items. Why are political parties not engaging in discussions on how we will address this issue?’ he asked.

Tarique said political parties should present plans and proposals to the nation on how they would keep commodity prices within the purchasing power of the common people by overhauling the market system and boosting production.

He acknowledged that different democratic political parties had varying political ideologies, but their common goal was the restoration of democracy and the creation of a humane Bangladesh where people would enjoy freedom of expression.

The BNP leader said that his party, along with many other democratic parties, had led movements to restore the rights taken away from people. ‘We succeeded in this endeavour. But, reform is now the most discussed issue, as much is being said about it.’

He said that they welcomed various opinions and proposals regarding state reform, as they were open to discussing issues related to the welfare of the country and its people. ‘The discussions currently taking place about reforms are certainly necessary.’

‘Let us think about the problems of people and talk about them. Let us try to highlight what reforms we have in this regard as well,’ he said.

Tarique acknowledged that political parties would inevitably criticise each other realistically. ‘But, we must avoid creating a situation where, in our criticism of each other, we forget to address the issues facing our people and the country, allowing insignificant matters to become more important. If this happens, the potential of this country will be ruined.’

He said that reform was also essential for overhauling the country’s education system. ‘It is urgent for political parties to present reform proposals to combat environmental pollution as the country is facing severe environmental threats.’

NDM chairman Bobby Hajjaj, Tarique Rahman’s political adviser Mahdi Amin, AB Party chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju, and Nagarik Oikkya leader Shahidullah Kaiser, among others, addressed the programme.