Tareq Rahman: New Issues Can Be Added to the 31-Point Plan if Needed

BNP’s acting chairman, Tareq Rahman, has stated that the 31-point reform plan is not fixed and can be revised or expanded as needed, depending on the demands of time, circumstances, and the needs of the country and its people.

Speaking virtually on Wednesday, October 16, at a workshop organized by the BNP’s central training committee at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Tareq Rahman emphasized flexibility.

He said, “BNP is a party that people have high expectations from. It exists for the welfare of the country and its people and aims to make meaningful contributions.”

Addressing students at the workshop, Tareq urged them to engage with different educational institutions and communities as representatives of the party, saying, “The people you meet will be the future leaders of this country. Listen to their views, as the next generation of promising leaders will emerge from them.”

He further remarked, “The scenario before August 5 was different from the one we face now. We’ve given you a roadmap, and it’s your job to convey it to the people. We have fought, and now we will build.”

The day-long workshop was chaired by BNP standing committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, with other senior leaders like Nazrul Islam Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, Ismail Jabi Ullah, and Dr. Mahdi Amin present as trainers. Rakibul Islam Bakul, BNP’s student affairs secretary, coordinated the session, which was attended by central leaders of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal.

On July 13, 2023, Tareq Rahman had presented the "31-Point Framework for State Reform," which includes:

1. Formation of a constitutional reform commission
2. Establishment of a national coordination commission for communal harmony
3. Reintroduction of a neutral caretaker government for elections
4. Restoration of the balance of power within the state
5. Limiting the tenure of the prime minister
6. Creation of an upper house in parliament
7. Amendment of Article 70 of the constitution
8. Reforming the Election Commission and electoral laws
9. Restructuring state institutions to ensure transparency
10. Formation of a judicial commission and reintroduction of the Supreme Judicial Council
11. Establishment of an administrative reform commission
12. Formation of a media commission
13. Effective anti-corruption measures and appointment of an ombudsman
14. Establishing the rule of law and human rights at all levels
15. Formation of an economic reform commission
16. Guaranteeing full religious freedom
17. Ensuring fair wages considering inflation
18. Modernization and governance improvements in industries, power, and energy sectors
19. Prioritizing national interests in foreign relations
20. Keeping defense forces above all controversies
21. Empowering local government bodies through decentralization
22. Honoring martyrs of the Liberation War with state recognition
23. Developing a modern youth policy
24. Promoting gender equality and women's empowerment
25. Reforming the education system to prepare for future challenges
26. Implementing a "Health for All" policy
27. Ensuring fair prices for agricultural products and safeguarding farmers
28. Modernizing roads, railways, and waterways
29. Tackling climate change and launching river management initiatives
30. Advancing ICT, space research, and nuclear technology
31. Developing sustainable housing and urbanization policies

Tareq Rahman reiterated that the plan remains dynamic and can evolve based on new requirements.