The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman, has firmly stated its foreign policy stance, emphasizing national interests above regional alliances. At a large rally in Dhaka's Nayapaltan area, Rahman declared the slogan, "Not Dilli, Not Pindi, Bangladesh before everything," signaling Bangladesh's priority over ties with Delhi or Rawalpindi.
This position marks a notable departure from the current Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus's approach, which has inclined towards strengthening ties with Pakistan, sometimes to the detriment of India's relations. Yunus, whose interim government lacks an electoral mandate, has proposed significant foreign policy decisions, including permitting a Rohingya corridor and potentially transferring management of the Chattogram Port to foreign entities.
Rahman criticized these initiatives, demanding Yunus step down if he intends to shape Bangladesh's long-term policies without direct electoral approval. "If the interim administration seeks to define Bangladesh's future, it must resign and contest elections," Rahman asserted.
Highlighting the essential qualities of neutrality and credibility for any interim government, Rahman cautioned against actions that undermine public trust or alienate the citizenry. He urged the current administration to treat democracy supporters and opposition parties respectfully rather than as adversaries.
Furthermore, the BNP condemned Yunus's ambiguous election timeline, insisting on polls by December. Rahman criticized the interim government for over ten months of delay, emphasizing citizens' right to an accountable government formed through free and fair elections.
In his remarks, Rahman underlined that true democratic integrity depends on adherence to democratic principles beyond merely declaring them in constitutional documents. Drawing an example from North Korea’s constitution, he noted that the existence of democratic terminology is insufficient without genuine practice.
As Bangladesh’s political scene intensifies, BNP positions itself as a key contender in the forthcoming elections, especially following restrictions on the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League. The party underscores its commitment to national sovereignty and democratic processes in contrast to what it perceives as the interim government's overreach.
