No party has implemented more reforms than BNP: Nazrul Islam Khan

Claiming that the BNP is not against reforms, the party’s Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan said that no political party in Bangladesh has undertaken more reforms than the BNP.

He made the remark on Thursday (April 17) at the beginning of a discussion between the BNP and the National Consensus Commission. The meeting started around 11.00am at the LD Hall of the National Parliament, focusing on key reform proposals.

Nazrul Islam Khan described reform as a continuous process, stating, "Reform is essential. As times change, we must adapt. Just yesterday, we told the Chief Advisor — has any political party in Bangladesh implemented more reforms than the BNP? Politically speaking, it was the BNP that restored democracy and introduced multi-party politics in the country. So, the BNP is not opposed to reform — the BNP represents reform."

He said, "Even before others started talking about reforms, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia introduced Vision 2030. Long before many thought about reform, Shaheed Ziaur Rahman presented a 19-point program. And our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman proposed a 31-point state reform agenda after discussions with various political movements. If anyone has a better proposal, we are open to considering it. That’s how we are approaching the work of this reform commission."

Nazrul Islam further said, "If the Consensus Commission issues a declaration, the BNP already has a clear position on reform. So, we support this process. Our only request is that everything should be done with the consent of the people — the people must be at the center of everything."

"I believe all the proposals made so far have been done in good faith. We want positive change — we want something even better. But we shouldn’t take so long trying to make things perfect that people’s hope for change fades away," he added.

Nazrul Islam Khan concluded by saying, "We have another opportunity before us, and we want to make the best use of it. We are supporting this commission and the government with that hope in mind. Because how much longer can this go on? How many more times must we struggle, achieve victory, only to see the fruits of our efforts taken away from us?"