BNP’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, has emphasized the importance of national unity and stability, warning that any form of division among political parties would ultimately harm the country and its people. He expressed concerns over the current political situation, noting growing instability fueled by certain statements from individuals in the interim government. Rahman stated that the party does not wish to see any destabilizing environment and is committed to contributing to the nation’s development and stability.

Addressing the Kumbilla City BNP’s biannual conference at Town Hall Ground on Tuesday, Rahman acknowledged the importance of maintaining stability for the betterment of the people. He emphasized that in order to change the fate of the nation’s citizens, it is essential to maintain a peaceful and stable environment. He added that there were noticeable signs of instability within various sectors of the administration.

“We want to support the current government. The people have shown their trust in the interim government, and it is crucial for them to maintain that trust and impartiality,” Rahman said.

He further discussed the political differences within the party, stating that disagreements are natural, but these should not escalate into division. “We will sit down and discuss our differences for the greater good of the people. We do not want to turn disagreements into division. If we fall into division, the country and the people will suffer the most,” Rahman said.

Rahman warned that if political parties become divided, opportunistic forces would take advantage of the situation, leading to national harm. Reflecting on the past 15 years, Rahman expressed that the people have endured significant hardships, and the party’s commitment to maintaining the country’s stability would continue.

The acting BNP chairman also mentioned concerns raised by the people regarding the actions of the interim government. “We see that some actions of the interim government have raised questions among the people. We want this government to support the restoration of people’s voting rights,” Rahman said, referring to the past government’s actions that he accused of undermining the democratic process.

Rahman pointed out that citizens were eager to regain their right to vote, and the interim government must work quickly to restore the trust of the people. “We need the interim government to earn the trust of the people by ensuring free and fair elections,” he added.

He also spoke about the necessity of unity within the BNP, stating that the more unified the party is, the stronger the democracy will become. “If we remain united, our struggle for democracy will be more robust, and the conspirators’ plans will fail,” Rahman affirmed.

Looking ahead, Rahman highlighted that the BNP would present its vision for the nation’s progress, hoping that other political parties would do the same. He emphasized that the people are the ultimate judges of the nation’s leadership and will decide who will lead the country in the future.

“We must ensure the people’s right to vote, and this is the key to restoring democracy,” Rahman said, stressing that the struggle for democracy and people’s voting rights will continue.

Reflecting on the origins of BNP, Rahman reminded the gathering that 45 years ago, President Ziaur Rahman established the party with the aim of fostering multi-party democracy, securing people’s voting rights, and working for the welfare of the nation. He criticized the actions of the current government, calling it a fascist regime that has stifled democracy over the last 15 years. He mentioned that BNP leaders and workers have suffered greatly, with many experiencing enforced disappearances, torture, and political persecution.

“Over the past 15 years, the people of Bangladesh have suffered under an authoritarian regime. BNP, despite all the challenges, has emerged as a party trusted by the people. We are committed to maintaining the trust of the people and ensuring their welfare,” Rahman said.

Regarding the party’s political platform, Rahman emphasized that the primary goal of BNP is to establish free, fair, and impartial elections. He responded to criticisms from some political parties who suggested that BNP’s constant focus on elections is not in the country’s best interest. Rahman clarified that as a democratic party, it is only natural to demand elections and seek the people’s vote. He warned that any delay in the election process would allow opportunistic forces to exploit the situation.

He reiterated that strengthening democracy and ensuring people’s voting rights are essential for the country’s long-term stability. He called on all political parties to uphold the values of democracy, ensuring that the people’s voices are heard and respected.

Rahman expressed that the struggle for democracy has been a long one, with many BNP leaders and activists sacrificing their lives in the past 15 years. The party will continue to demand the restoration of people’s rights and the establishment of a democratic government that serves the people’s interests.

Finally, Rahman urged the newly elected committee members of Kumbilla City BNP to earn the trust of the local people. “You must work towards strengthening the party’s base and providing proper leadership at the grassroots level,” he advised.

In the event, BNP’s Vice Chairman Barkatullah Bulu was the keynote speaker, while other prominent figures such as Kumbilla Division’s Organizational Secretary Mohammad Selim Bhuiyan, Central BNP’s Relief and Rehabilitation Secretary Haji Aminur Rashid Yasin, former Member of Parliament Zakaria Taher Suman, and Kumbilla Division’s Co-Organizational Secretary Haji Mostak Mia also addressed the gathering.

Earlier in the day, BNP leaders and activists gathered in large numbers from various districts around Kumbilla City. The conference turned into a lively rally as no other candidates were running for leadership positions. As a result, Uthbatul Bari Abu was elected as the President, Yousuf Mollah Tipu as the General Secretary, and Rajiu Rahman Rajib as the Organizational Secretary of Kumbilla City BNP.