BNP Acting Chairman says time has come to repay the blood debt of fallen heroes by establishing a just, accountable, and people-centric governance system.

Dhaka, July 1 —
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has urged the nation to repay the debt owed to the martyrs of the July-August uprising by establishing a democratic government accountable to the people and grounded in justice. Speaking virtually from London at a discussion event titled "Mass Uprising 2024: National Unity and Democratic Journey," Rahman said that Bangladesh is now presented with a historic opportunity to build a modern, democratic state free from authoritarianism.

The event was organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka on Tuesday. Rahman inaugurated the program remotely and delivered the keynote address as the chief guest.

Referring to the July-August uprising as one of the most defining and bloodstained chapters in the country’s recent history, Rahman stated, “Countless people made the ultimate sacrifice during this anti-fascist movement, which aimed to free the nation from over a decade and a half of oppressive rule. Many were abducted, killed, or persecuted simply for standing up for freedom and justice.”

He emphasized that the sacrifices made by the martyrs should not go in vain. “Now is the time to honor their legacy by creating a government that truly reflects the people’s will—transparent, responsive, and rooted in the principles of fairness and accountability,” he added.

Rahman highlighted that the present political climate offers a rare window of opportunity to reshape the future of Bangladesh. “We can now move forward toward building a new Bangladesh—one that prioritizes a safe work environment and the creation of employment opportunities. Our political commitment must now turn into action and set an example for future governance,” he said.

Calling for greater national consensus, he underscored the importance of unity on issues of national interest. “We must ensure that no authoritarian force can ever again attempt to reduce Bangladesh to a puppet state. The anti-fascist unity we have achieved must remain unbroken, both now and in the future,” Rahman declared.

Throughout his speech, Rahman reiterated that BNP’s current political stance is focused not just on electoral gains but on systemic reforms that ensure long-term democratic resilience. He called for national unity to protect the country’s sovereignty, uphold human dignity, and ensure justice for the victims of past and present state oppression.

The discussion program was attended by party leaders, civil society members, and representatives of various democratic alliances who echoed Rahman’s call for a broad-based, people-powered movement aimed at establishing a just and inclusive Bangladesh.