BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that the interim government has no authority to decide on establishing a humanitarian corridor for Myanmar’s Rakhine State or to transfer the management of Chattogram Port’s container terminal to a foreign entity.

Speaking virtually as the chief guest at the eighth founding anniversary of the National Democratic Movement (NDM) on Saturday, Rahman criticised the government’s priorities, suggesting it was overstepping its mandate.

"It appears the interim administration is more focused on providing corridors and handing over port management to foreign interests," he said. "We want to make it unequivocally clear: such decisions are not within the jurisdiction of the interim government. These matters should be decided by a parliament or a government elected by the people."

Rahman warned that growing uncertainty about the interim administration's policies and plans was fuelling unrest. "People from various walks of life are taking to the streets daily with different demands," he noted. "Just ten months into its tenure, signs of instability have begun to surface both within and outside the government."

He urged the interim administration to be more mindful of its limitations and to communicate clearly with the public. "If the situation continues to deteriorate, it may become difficult for the government to manage the crisis," he said.

Tarique Rahman also criticised the government's handling of the ongoing reforms at the National Board of Revenue (NBR), saying the process was launched hastily, without proper consultation or planning. "The reform may have been necessary, but the rushed implementation has made it counterproductive, as reflected in media reports."

Addressing the country's economic outlook, he remarked that despite holding a large-scale investment summit, the government failed to attract the expected level of investment. "For both local and foreign investors, political stability and a credible government are essential," he said.

He also underscored the political nature of governance, stating, "A government is not an elite club or corporate body—it is a political institution that must ensure every citizen’s participation."

Tarique Rahman called for the institutionalisation of democracy to prevent future authoritarian rule, while acknowledging public doubt over the interim government's capacity and intent. Nevertheless, he said, pro-democracy political parties have continued to support the interim government to pave the way for an elected administration.

Referring to the BNP’s longstanding demand for an action plan from the interim administration, he said, "The government has failed to provide a clear roadmap for elections. Instead, it has introduced ambiguous conditions such as ‘less reform’ and ‘more reform’."

He further questioned the government’s inability to finalise a list of those killed during the mass uprising, even after 10 months. "Is this a reflection of incapacity, or indifference towards the victims?" he asked.

The event, chaired by NDM Chairman Bobby Hajjaj, was also addressed by Secretary General Mominul Amin and High Council member Parvez Khan, among others.

Also present were BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Syed Moazzem Hossain, Mass Solidarity Movement Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, Bangladesh Labour Party Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran, People’s Rights Council General Secretary Rashed Khan, and diplomats from several countries.

The programme included a tribute to the fighters of the July Revolution and prayers for the martyrs and the wounded.

SMS/