
ছবি: Photo: Collected
Tarique Rahman, the Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has stated that the era of autocratic rule has ended, and now it is time to rebuild the nation. Speaking from London via video conference, Rahman emphasized the importance of unity and collective action to restore public trust and democratic rights. He stressed that the response to the oppression faced by the BNP should not be through violence, but by implementing the party's 31-point agenda, which aims to restore democracy and uphold the rights of the people.
Rahman made these remarks at a large rally organized by "We Are BNP Family" in the Lakshmichap area of Nilphamari Sadar Upazila. The event, which was held at the Dubachhuri Dakhil Madrasa grounds, was also a ceremony to hand over a new home to the family of BNP leader Golam Rabbani, who was killed by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in a crossfire incident on January 18, 2014. Rahman highlighted that over the past 16 years, numerous BNP leaders and activists, including Golam Rabbani, had their homes and businesses destroyed. He recalled the killings of over 500 party workers during the July-August protests and vowed that the BNP would not resort to the same methods of vengeance but instead would focus on the fulfillment of the 31-point agenda as a form of response.
The BNP leader emphasized the necessity of building a strong democracy in Bangladesh, stating that the country still has a long way to go. He also reinforced his belief, along with his party, that promoting and safeguarding democratic principles is essential, as democracy is a universal value that guarantees freedom of expression and thought. Rahman said that the BNP is committed to creating a secure, progressive, and democratic Bangladesh that will not only prosper domestically but also contribute to the global advancement of democracy.
The event was chaired by Atiqur Rahman Rumman, the convener of "We Are BNP Family," and organized by the Secretary of the group, Agriculturist Mokhshodul Momin Midul, along with member Mostakim Billah. Among the special guests were BNP’s Senior Joint Secretary General and chief adviser of "We Are BNP Family," Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, former deputy minister and BNP organizational secretary (Rangpur), Asadul Habib Dulu, and other senior leaders.
During the event, Golam Rabbani's elder daughter, Rownak Jahan Rikta, demanded justice for her father's murder. On behalf of Tarique Rahman, the keys to the new home were handed over to Golam Rabbani’s widow by BNP’s Senior Joint Secretary General and the Chief Adviser of "We Are BNP Family," Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. The rally also included the distribution of financial assistance to the families of 12 individuals from the Rangpur division who were killed during the July-August protests.
Tarique Rahman’s speech resonated deeply with the attendees, highlighting the need for collective efforts in the restoration of democracy and the protection of the people’s rights. His message aimed to unite the party’s supporters and convey a sense of hope for a democratic future despite the challenges posed by the past regime.
repoter