BNP will restore freedom of expression if people give mandate: Tarique

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today said if his party forms government through a public mandate in the future, the foundation of the country's governance will be the rule of law, human rights, and freedom of expression.

"If entrusted with the people's mandate to govern, the BNP will restore freedom of expression for all citizens, regardless of political or organisational affiliation," he said, addressing a seminar on "31-Point Structural Reforms of the State and Citizens' Perspective" at a city hotel.

Rahman joined the seminar virtually from London.

Pointing to BNP's role in upholding media freedom when it was the country's ruling party two decades ago, he said Bangladesh's media will again have the freedom to "speak truth to power," to critique the government openly, through investigative reports, political talk shows, comedy and satires.

Rahman said his party aims to build a Bangladesh where no individual — not even the prime minister — can abuse power with impunity.

"Accountability and transparency will be ensured at every level of the government, from the highest offices to the grassroots, so that we can reaffirm that no one is above the law," he added.

Rahman said if elected by the people, the BNP government will make every effort to eliminate the climate of fear established by the fallen government.

"We will eliminate all the tools of suppression used by that regime, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, excessive force, politically motivated trials, warrantless mass arrests, and various other forms of gross human rights violations," said Rahman.

He said the government formed by his party will follow the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to protect the rights and basic freedoms of every citizen.

Criticising the previous government, he said that over the past 16 years, freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and freedom of association have been systematically stripped off from him, his party, and countless pro-democracy activists.

"Recognising this, we pledge to ensure freedom of opinion and expression for all citizens, including human rights activists, social influencers, and journalists," he added.

Rahman also said his party's goal is to create a state structure where no one will be harassed for expressing views on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, or other online spaces, or for merely commenting publicly on high-ranking officials, which will also include the prime minister.

"Neither mainstream nor social media will be coerced into concealing the truth or pressured to spread misinformation," he added, calling upon the country's media to maintain neutrality and objectivity in their roles toward national development.