Staff Reporter :
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has called on party leaders and activists to stay vigilant and united, cautioning that the coming days will be difficult as conspiracies against the country continue unabated.
“The time ahead will be tough. Everyone must remain alert and stand together,” he said while addressing a discussion meeting organised by the BNP’s London Chapter at City Pavilion on Tuesday held on the occasion of the great Victory Day.
Referring to the current political situation in Bangladesh, Tarique said the conspiracies have not ended and the forthcoming national election will be far from easy.
“I had warned you a year ago that hard times were ahead, that conspiracies would persist and that the election would be challenging. Today, many of you can see that what I said is coming true,” he noted.
Speaking before a packed hall of expatriate Bangladeshis, Tarique asked whether they would be able to maintain unity.
When the audience responded affirmatively, he emphasised that unity is the foundation of success.
“Only by remaining united can we implement our plans to rebuild the country. Accountability and the Bangladesh of our dreams can be achieved only through unity,” he said.
Citing the United Kingdom as an example, Tarique said people there enjoy fairness because of an accountable system, while Bangladeshis have long been deprived of their rights. “There is no alternative to unity. United we stand, divided we fall,” he added.
Tarique Rahman was arrested in 2007 during the army-backed caretaker government.
After falling seriously ill while in custody, he travelled to London in 2008 on bail for advanced medical treatment, accompanied by his wife, Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima Rahman.
After nearly 18 years in exile, Tarique is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on December 25.
The Victory Day programme with expatriates also functioned as a farewell event, as he prepares to lead the party ahead of the 13th parliamentary election set for February 12 next year.
At the beginning of his speech, Tarique spoke about his return home and expressed gratitude to expatriates for their continued support.
“InshaAllah, I will return home on December 25 with your prayers and Allah’s mercy. I seek your prayers for me and for our leader Begum Khaleda Zia, so that Allah grants me the strength to carry out my plans for the country and its people,” he said.
He also requested supporters not to gather at Heathrow Airport on the day of his arrival.
“Any gathering at the airport may create disorder and draw unnecessary attention, which could harm the image of both the country and the party.
Those who respect my request will be honouring the party and the nation. If anyone goes despite this, I will consider it a personal decision,” he said.
A short video was screened during the programme, showcasing Bangladesh’s journey from the 1971 Liberation War to recent student-led movements and presenting a vision for a new Bangladesh.
Tarique also outlined BNP’s plans to build a happy and welfare-oriented state, including initiatives such as family cards, farmers’ cards, health cards, and measures to reduce unemployment.
“This election is not an experiment or a trial. It is an opportunity for change, and we must use it wisely,” he said.
Calling on expatriates to play a role in shaping the outcome of the election, Tarique urged them to help people choose the right political force.
“The party with the right plans is capable of developing the country and taking Bangladesh in the right direction,” he said.
Expressing his gratitude, Tarique acknowledged the vital role expatriates have played in the struggle against authoritarianism and voiced optimism that BNP, with public support, will form the next government.
