Staff Reporter :
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday urged all political parties not to push the country toward instability by imposing conditions, but rather to face the people in next year’s national election instead of issuing threats to the ‘fragile’ interim government.
Speaking virtually at a discussion marking National Revolution and Solidarity Day, Tarique said it is up to the interim government to decide whether it will prioritize implementing the agenda of any particular political party or focus on holding the February election to establish a government accountable to the people.
“As preparations are underway to form a government answerable to the people through direct voting and to restore citizens’ rights, we have noticed that some political parties appear to be positioning themselves against this process, exploiting the weaknesses of the interim government,” he said.
Tarique noted that many of BNP’s allies from the anti-fascist street movement have expressed skepticism about the upcoming February polls.
“I want to draw the attention of our allies-rather than issuing threats to the interim government, let us all prepare to face the people in the coming election. Let us unite and stand before the nation,” he added.
The discussion, held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, commemorated the 50th anniversary of the civil-military uprising of November 7, 1975. Senior leaders of various political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, joined the event and emphasized the need for unity among anti-fascist forces to restore democracy through the upcoming election, setting aside differences.
Among those addressing the programme were Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, Jatiya Party (Zafar) Chairman Mostafa Jamal Haider, Gonoforum President Subrata Chowdhury, NPP Chairman Fariduzzaman Farhad, Labour Party Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran, Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque, AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju, Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan, and academic Prof Mahbub Ullah.
BNP Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Selima Rahman, Hafizuddin Ahmed, and Dr AZM Zahid Hossain also spoke at the event.
Tarique cautioned that if any political party-seeing the interim administration as weak-tries to manipulate the process or deny BNP its rightful victory, it could lead to political disaster for that party itself.
“I urge our allies on the streets and anyone trying to muddy the waters-not to make the situation volatile,” he said.
He added that the international community has clearly stated that no financial assistance will be released without an elected government in place.
“At a time when the economy is under strain, unemployment is rising, and the country faces uncertainty, some political groups are imposing preconditions instead of working toward a solution,” Tarique said.
“Those who once stood with us on the streets are now trying to obstruct the election by attaching various conditions. Complicating the election process essentially means attempting to seize state power without contesting the polls-or paving the way for the return of a fallen, fugitive dictator,” he warned.
Referring to recent arson incidents in the capital, Tarique said such acts were carried out by associates of the “runaway autocrat” and should serve as a warning for all pro-democracy forces.
He also expressed concern that under the guise of a referendum, attempts might be underway to rehabilitate defeated and fugitive elements into politics before the national polls.
“An objective review of the Consensus Commission’s discussions will show that BNP has taken a positive position on most issues. Our stance is very clear-the commitments made in the July Charter will be fully upheld by the BNP,” he affirmed.
Tarique recalled that more than 1,500 people were martyred during the July-August movement, as students, workers, farmers, and ordinary citizens took to the streets to reclaim their political rights.
“The people did not sacrifice their lives to create opportunities for any one party or group to bargain for power,” he said.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stressed that the politics of reconciliation initiated by Ziaur Rahman is crucial for Bangladesh today.
He said a needless crisis has been created to obstruct the election, which is essential for democratic reforms and the nation’s future stability.
Fakhrul called upon all political parties to unite under Tarique Rahman’s leadership to resist conspiracies and ensure the restoration of democracy.
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Col (Retd) Oli Ahmed recalled how BNP founder Ziaur Rahman entered politics and introduced reforms to develop the country as a true patriot.
“Ziaur Rahman worked wholeheartedly for Bangladesh and its people. He began reforms that remained incomplete. I urge Tarique Rahman to carry forward the mission of his father and mother. We will stand beside you,” he said.
