Tarique Rahman opposes banning political parties

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has said he is opposed in principle to banning any political party, warning that such actions could later be used against others, including his own party.

He, however, said those involved in criminal activities must be punished.

He made the remarks in an interview with Time magazine’s online edition, published on Wednesday (January 28), where he also outlined his views on governance, the economy and foreign policy.

On the economy, Tarique Rahman said tackling high inflation, currency depreciation and unemployment would be top priorities, noting that about two million young people enter the job market each year while unemployment stands at 13.5 per cent.

He said his party plans major environmental initiatives, including the excavation of 12,000 miles of canals, planting 50 million trees annually and creating 50 green zones in Dhaka to reduce air pollution.

On foreign relations, he said protecting national interests would guide ties with India, while relations with the United States would focus on reducing the trade deficit and expanding cooperation through aircraft purchases and energy investments.

Tarique Rahman also rejected past allegations of corruption against him, saying no evidence had been established, and said ensuring voting rights and honouring those who died in the July mass uprising remain key priorities.