Convincing people was BNP’s ‘engineering’: Tarique

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday said convincing people to get two-thirds majority in the national election was their ‘engineering’ and no other manipulative tactics.

“Convincing the people of the country and bringing them over to our side was our engineering. Alhamdulillah, we have succeeded in it,” he said.

Tarique made the remarks during a post-election press conference at a city hotel in response to a journalist’s question about whether he resorted to election engineering to win more than 200 seats.
Responding to a question from an Indian journalist about the foreign policy of a future BNP government and mending relations with India, Tarique said, “We have made it clear that the foreign policy will prioritise the interests of Bangladesh and the Bangladeshi people. Protecting Bangladesh’s interests will guide our decisions.”

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury elaborated, saying Bangladesh’s foreign policy follows the principle of multilateralism. “We don’t have any country-centric policy. Our approach applies to all countries based on mutual respect, mutual interest, non-interference, and strategic autonomy for Bangladesh. These are the fundamentals of our foreign policy.”

Answering a question on whether the BNP government would review the verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by the International Crimes Tribunal, Khosru said this is a matter for the judiciary. “We believe the judiciary should remain separate from the executive and legislative branches.”

Regarding relations with India, Pakistan, and China, Khosru reiterated that BNP’s foreign policy treats all countries equally and is not country-centric.

On the key challenges his government might face, Tarique said tackling the economy will be a top priority. “We also face the challenge of ensuring law and order and guaranteeing safety for the people.”

He criticised the previous authoritarian regime for politicising nearly all institutions, adding that ensuring good governance will be a major task for his government.

On future relations with China, Tarique said, “We will protect the interests of Bangladesh and its people. If a measure is not in Bangladesh’s interest, we cannot support it. China, like many others, is a development partner, and we hope both countries can continue to work together.”

Responding to a question on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), he said his government would review it first and decide only if it benefits Bangladesh’s economy.

On listening to youths’ voices in governance, Tarique said, “We will definitely listen to the youth, but we also need to address the issues of all people in society.”

Regarding reactivating SAARC, he said, “This forum was initiated by Bangladesh. Naturally, we would want to revive it. Once the government is settled, we will discuss with our friends and try to revive it.”

In response to another question about brining Sheikh Hasina back from India, he said, “That depends on the legal process.”

On tackling inflation, Tarique said, “Our focus will be on bringing in more businesses and creating jobs.”

Finally, when asked about reconciliation with Awami League supporters who are staying in the country, he said it would be addressed by ensuring the rule of law, reports UNB.