BNP’s Legal Affairs Secretary Barrister Kaiser Kamal firmly dismissed the Minus Two formula, saying it would not be effective as Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman have already proven to be essential figures in Bangladesh's political arena.
Barrister Kamal also accused the fallen autocrats of siphoning off thousands of crores of taka during their rule and using laundered money to fuel conspiracies aimed at destabilizing the country. He highlighted that stabilizing the nation is a significant challenge. Furthermore, he reiterated that BNP is ready for elections under a caretaker government at any time, in an exclusive interview on Monday.
Question: What are your expectations from the interim government?
Kaiser Kamal: The expectations from the interim government are sky-high. It was the people's expectation that forced the autocrat Sheikh Hasina to flee the country. For the past 16-17 years, it hasn’t just been BNP but the people of the country who have been subjected to an iron-fisted rule. The people of the country have developed expectations for change in almost every sector. This change will start with the interim government.
Question: What reforms is BNP emphasizing?
Kaiser Kamal: On 11 July 2023, BNP announced a 31-point agenda for state reforms. The implementation of these 31 points is BNP’s political commitment. The acting chairman of the party, Tarique Rahman, has said that state reform is not a static process. Reforms change with the times. When necessary, BNP will implement the reforms that a changing society requires.
Question: BNP’s acting chairman has said, “A national government will be formed if we come to power.” How is that possible?
Kaiser Kamal: Before the 12th National Parliament elections, Tarique Rahman announced, “A national government will be formed with all active political parties against the fascist government.” The country has been institutionally destroyed over the last 16-17 years. Those who are involved in restoring the state must participate in its reconstruction. It is not just the political parties, but there are many patriotic citizens and intellectuals outside of the parties in Bangladesh. The country must be rebuilt by coordinating with them. After the independence of 1971, Bangladesh made a mistake that Tarique Rahman does not want to repeat after the second independence in 2024. That is why he has said, “It’s a rainbow state. A rainbow nation.”
Question: There are calls to ban the Awami League. What is your comment on that?
Kaiser Kamal: Every political party does politics for the interest and welfare of the people. The people of Bangladesh have already proven who they want and who they don’t want as political parties.
Question: How prepared is BNP for the upcoming national elections?
Kaiser Kamal: BNP has always demanded elections under a caretaker government. We have been making this demand since before 2011. BNP’s demand has been proven popular and in the country's interest through the 2018 and 2024 elections. BNP’s demand from the interim government is that they hold elections within a reasonable timeframe. They must understand what a reasonable timeframe is. BNP is a people-oriented party. BNP is ready for elections under a caretaker government at any time.
Question: Is it possible for the current government to amend the constitution?
Kaiser Kamal: Changing or amending the constitution is part of state reform. Over time, the constitution will be amended and expanded. The constitution is for the state or the people’s needs. Theoretically, an amendment to the constitution requires the parliament. The constitution can be amended through elected representatives.
Question: How do you view the student-public movement? How do you evaluate BNP’s contribution to it?
Kaiser Kamal: The people of the country will judge BNP’s contribution. BNP started the anti-autocracy movement, and following that, other political parties became well-organized. Through the student-public revolution, on 5 August, Sheikh Hasina was forced to flee. It's not about making anyone big or small by mentioning their contributions. Everyone’s goal was the fall of autocratic rule. With that goal in mind, some took to the streets earlier, and some later. BNP respects everyone involved.
Question: What is the status of the cases filed against Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman?
Kaiser Kamal: A lot of cases have been filed against both of them. Every case is false and politically motivated, which has already been proven. They have trust in the existing laws and courts. They will resolve the cases legally. Some cases have already been settled. Every case will be resolved through the court. We are grateful that the state has realized the injustice done to Begum Khaleda Zia.
Question: When can Tarique Rahman return to the country?
Kaiser Kamal: Tarique Rahman is awaited by millions of leaders and workers across the country. He respects the expectations of everyone. He will take necessary steps in due time for his return.
Question: Students are forming political parties. What is your comment on this?
Kaiser Kamal: Everyone has the right to form a political party. The students have made the July revolution through years of struggle. Can’t students form political parties? They can form student organizations. Those students who are no longer students, meaning those who have completed their studies, can form political parties. The necessity of students engaged in national politics will be judged by the people of the country.
Question: There are demands to bring back Awami League leaders, including Sheikh Hasina, who fled abroad and try them.
Kaiser Kamal: It’s not about demanding justice, rather it must be done for the state’s needs. Because if they are not tried, another fascism may rise in the future. They must be tried as an example, so that this generation does not fall victim to fascism in Bangladesh during their lifetime.
Question: There’s a discussion about the minus-two formula in political circles. What is your comment on this?
Kaiser Kamal: It’s always a topic of discussion in politics. Whatever statement BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has made on this must have some validity. However, it has already been proven that Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman are indispensable in the country’s politics. Those who talk about these matters are trying to fish in muddy waters. Conspiracy didn’t work even during the One-Eleven period, and it won’t work now.
Source: Bangladesh Pratidin
BDST: 1202 HRS, DEC 17, 2024
