BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said ensuring government’s accountability to people requires the establishment of democratic practices across all sectors of the country.
"The people of Bangladesh have many expectations from BNP. One of the most fundamental among them is to establish a proper system and ensure accountability," he said while virtually addressing the council session of the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB).
The BNP leader said people from all walks of life are now looking forward to seeing a positive change and a transformation in the state system. "If we can gradually build a transparent, fair and democratic system everywhere, we will be able to ensure accountability at all levels," he said.
Tarique said it is not entirely true that there is no democratic practice within political parties. "Today's DAB council proves that the claim of no democratic practice inside political parties is not entirely accurate."
He mentioned that since DAB has begun practising democracy, BNP will also be able to gradually implement democratic practices at various levels within the party. "I firmly believe that, Insha'Allah, we can gradually introduce accountability at all levels — from local to national — across the country," the BN leader said.
Drawing from his long experience of living in London, he explained that in the UK, doctors who face abuse receive justice, and if patients or others are denied proper service, they too receive justice, as there is accountability in the state system. "Such a system of accountability is needed in Bangladesh."
The BNP leader mentioned that although Bangladesh gained independence more than 50 years ago, the democratic process has been repeatedly obstructed here.
"Unfortunately, I have to spend many years abroad... I have an experience that since there is accountability in this country (UK), when a patient goes to the government hospital, he gets a minimum service,” he said.
Tarique said it is not only about patients, but about everyone -- wherever they go, they should receive the service they are entitled to. "This is because, through years of effort, they built a system of accountability in society and in the state system. But this has not yet been developed in Bangladesh."
The National Council-2025 of DAB, a pro-BNP platform for doctors, was held on the premises of Willes Little Flower School and College in the capital's Kakrail area.
