BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today said that the decision to allow a 'humanitarian corridor' in Myanmar’s Rakhine State must come from an elected parliament.

Speaking virtually from London as the chief guest at the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal rally on the occasion of May Day in Nayapaltan today (May 1), he said the government has not informed the people or political parties about the matter concerning Rakhine civilians, including the Rohingyas.

“The decision on the corridor must come from an elected parliament. Above all, Bangladesh must remain our only priority,” he said.

He said the ongoing discussions on reforms in the country but questioned the absence of the working class's voice in those processes. 

Only an elected parliament and government can truly represent the people, as elected representatives are bound to listen to them, he added. 

He criticized a faction of the interim government for trying to pit elections and reforms against each other, thereby provoking division among political forces.

“Both reform and election are essential,” he added.

He further said that it is not reasonable to extend indefinite support to the interim government and stressed the need to establish an accountable administration to prevent the resurgence of authoritarianism.

“When unilateral decisions are imposed on the people, fascism is born. No individual or group’s hidden lust for power should push the country toward autocracy,” he said.

He said that in a nation of 180 million people, nearly 80 million are workers, and they are the driving force of development and the economy.

“The dream of building the Bangladesh we want is not possible if workers are neglected or deprived of their rights,” he added.

MN/