Ndileka Mandela, granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, said on Thursday that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s 31-point plan could help restore democracy and rebuild public trust in Bangladesh.

She made the remarks at a discussion titled “Reimagining Bangladesh’s Political Future”, organised by The Dhaka Forum Initiative at a hotel in the capital. The event was based on the book Tarique Rahman: Politics and Policies and his BBC Bangla interview.

Ndileka Mandela, founder and CEO of Thembekile Mandela Foundation, emphasised that democracy is not a trophy to be won once but a discipline to be practised every day, inclusive of all women and men, the poor and the powerful, the majority and the minority.

“The book Tarique Rahman: Politics and Policies does more than follow one individual. It invites debate on institutional accountability and the people’s will in modern Bangladesh,” she said.

Focusing on the 31-point charter, Ndileka described it as “an invitation to argue with purpose,” addressing issues such as protection of free speech and the media, repeal of laws restricting basic freedoms, release of political detainees, anti-corruption measures, and the protection of minority rights.

“These are not merely opposition values or government values,” she said, adding, “They are societal guardrails—the rails that keep the democratic train from derailing.”

Emphasising women’s empowerment, she stated that democracy without women is “an unfinished sentence.” She called for a renewed national contract with women, including zero tolerance for violence, investment in girls’ education, equal pay, and leadership opportunities across public service, business, media, and politics. “When women stand equally, nations stand taller,” she added.

Ndileka also highlighted the importance of climate justice, describing the global crisis as “climate apartheid,” where those least responsible for emissions suffer the greatest consequences.

“Bangladesh sits on the front line of floods, cyclones, and displacement. Climate action is not just an environmental issue; it is a political test,” she said.

Citing her grandfather Nelson Mandela’s belief that “hope is a discipline,” Ndileka said Bangladesh’s pursuit of fairness, equality, and climate responsibility could not only restore democratic reforms but also renew faith in democracy.

“True vision is turning personal struggle into public service, mobilisation into institutions, and momentum into rules that outlast any one leader,” she said.

Former Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Anwarullah Chowdhury presided over the discussion, while Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Professor Kamrul Ahsan conducted it.

Speakers at the event also included BNP Standing Committee members Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury; BNP Chairperson’s Adviser and Chairman of the Foundation for Security and Development Studies Major General (retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar; Acting Chairman’s Adviser Mahdi Amin; National Democratic Movement (NDM) Chairman Bobby Hajjaj; Bangladesh Open University Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Professor Dil Rowshan Zinnat; and North South University Political Science Professor Md Taufiqul Islam Mitil.

A written statement from Professor Aliar Hossain of the Department of Leadership and Diplomacy at Northumbria University, London, was also read out during the programme.