Staff Correspondent

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said the country will move forward to an election roadmap, following the reforms initiative undertaken by the Prof Muhammad Yunus-led interim administration.

The interim government will not be allowed to fail in any way, whoever it must ensure that it does not become the cause of its own failure, said the BNP leader, now staying in London.

While virtually addressing the mammoth rally held in front of BNP Nayapaltan headquarters in Dhaka, he said that his party will remain supportive to the interim government.

The reforms need to be advanced to establish an accountable government and parliament comprised of representatives elected by the people, on a priority basis, he said.

“Our development, democracy and reform will not be sustainable without the empowerment or direct involvement of the people in the process,” he said during the rally held marking the International Day of Democracy.

Political empowerment can only be achieved by restoring people’s voting rights, allowing them to elect their representatives based on their own choices, and ensuring their rights to participate in a free, fair, and impartial election, he said.

To achieve the goal, the interim administration will need to reform the public administration and turn the law enforcement agencies into capable and eligible forces, he said, citing some reform initiatives of the interim government.

“BNP thinks that the vested quarter can take opportunities to thwart the achievement of the mass upsurge if the interim government fails to set an agenda properly on the priority issues. And some signs have already become clear,” he said.