Had the judiciary been truly independent, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia would have not been forced to leave her home of 40 years with nothing but the clothes on her back. It’s because she was unjustly treated in this manner that Sheikh Hasina was forced to flee the country, said Barrister Kayser Kamal, BNP’s Legal Affairs Secretary.
He further said that the ongoing reform discussions have created public anxiety. We’ve spent eight months talking about reforms, but people haven’t seen any actual results yet.
He shared these views in an exclusive interview with Bangladesh Pratidin, where he also spoke openly about the BNP’s relationship with Jamaat and NCP, as well as current political affairs.
Question: Who is BNP’s main opponent in the upcoming election?
Kamal: In a fair election, it is up to the people to decide whom they will vote for. Only once the election begins will it be clear who BNP’s opponent truly is. BNP stands for the politics of “mother, land, and people.” Over the past 16 years, countless BNP leaders and activists, including Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman, have made sacrifices for democracy. If the people recognize this, BNP will welcome their support.
Question: How do you view the activities of the NCP, the party formed by students who led the Mass Uprising?
Kamal: Martyr President Ziaur Rahman initiated the multiparty democracy in Bangladesh. As a worker of his party, we welcome any political party that values democracy and respects others. Whether they are a “King’s Party” or not is something the public will decide.
Question: How can reform be implemented when parties have differing opinions?
Kamal: Reforms are creating anxiety among the public. We’ve spent eight months talking reforms, yet people haven't seen any real changes. After independence, during the era of one-party misrule, it was through reforms that people brought Ziaur Rahman to power via the Sepoy-People Revolution. BNP aims to continue this reform tradition. Right now, there’s only talk of reform—people aren’t seeing any actual reform. Genuine reform will only come when there’s an elected parliament.
Question: After the meeting with the Chief Adviser, BNP’s Secretary General expressed dissatisfaction. What’s BNP’s approach to ensuring an election roadmap?
Kamal: Over the past 16 years, people from all walks of life have sacrificed for democracy. In the latest Student-People Uprising, about 2,000 people sacrificed their lives, and thousands lost limbs, forcing fascist Sheikh Hasina to flee. Their only aim was to see a democratic Bangladesh. Democracy requires the reflection of the people’s will. Our constitution says the people are the true source of power. BNP has always demanded elections within a reasonable timeframe, and we believe that time is nearing its end. Therefore, BNP has urged the Chief Adviser to hold elections by December.
Question: What’s the status of Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman’s legal cases?
Kamal: There are no active cases against Begum Khaleda Zia. Almost all cases against Tarique Rahman have been dismissed; the few remaining were filed during the 1/11 caretaker regime under the so-called Anti-Corruption Commission. One such case is still pending in a lower court.
Question: Is this case the reason why Tarique Rahman hasn’t returned to Bangladesh?
Kamal: His return is not dependent on the cases. He believes in the rule of law, respects the courts, the Criminal Procedure Code (CRPC), and the Constitution. He’ll face whatever legal challenges arise. People of all ages in Bangladesh are eagerly waiting for his return, and God willing, he will return at the right time.
Question: What’s the progress on the 6 million cases filed against BNP members during the Awami League’s tenure?
Kamal: Sadly, there has been almost no progress in withdrawing those cases. People and political workers are increasingly angry about this.
Question: If elections are not held within the specified time, what will BNP’s position be?
Kamal: We believe Dr. Muhammad Yunus will fulfill his promise and hold the elections within the specified timeframe.
Question: What is the current relationship between BNP and Jamaat?
Kamal: BNP has no estrangement with any political organization except the Awami League. Tarique Rahman has long said the next parliament will include all parties that opposed the Awami League. This indicates that BNP maintains a good relationship with Jamaat.
Question: Business is declining, and new investments aren’t coming. What’s the solution?
Kamal: When there’s a democratic and stable environment, investment increases. People feel more confident, and accountability is established. The current government isn’t elected by the people, and they're running the country without the input of other political parties. Hence, there’s no real accountability, which is why investment isn’t coming as expected.
Question: How do you evaluate the successes and failures of the government over the past eight months?
Kamal: The people will evaluate that in due course.
Question: What does BNP expect from the government?
Kamal: In 2008, people were still able to exercise their voting rights to some extent. Since then, they haven’t had that opportunity. People want to vote. BNP is a party of the people and will always echo their voice.
Question: Even after 54 years, an independent judiciary hasn’t been established. Why?
Kamal: You can’t blame just one party for this. Had the judiciary been independent, Khaleda Zia wouldn’t have been forced out of her long-time home with just the clothes on her back. It was this injustice that made Sheikh Hasina flee. The judiciary bears much of the responsibility for this. What’s been done in the name of justice is actually injustice. Thousands, including Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman, have suffered solitary confinement because of this.
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
