No more politics of retaliation Says Tarique
Staff Reporter :
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday called for an end to politics driven by vengeance, urging student activists to dedicate their efforts to improving the lives and livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
Speaking virtually from London as the chief guest at a rally organised by the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) at Shahbagh, he said, “Fifty-four years since independence, the people of Bangladesh no longer want to see a politics rooted in revenge. No force can stop a movement led by the brave sons of this land.”
The student rally marked the first anniversary of the July-August 2024 uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League government after 16 years in power.
Thousands of activists from across the country converged on Shahbagh for the event, which formed part of a month-long programme commemorating the mass protests.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, addressing the gathering in person, stressed the need for unity and warned against attempts to divide the opposition.
“Fascist forces are working to destabilise the country by sowing discord. We will not allow Sheikh Hasina to continue her politics here,” he said.
He described the day as one of both pride and sorrow, recalling last year’s political violence. “It is a day of celebration because of the youth’s mobilisation, but also a day of mourning for the lives lost during last year’s crackdown by the Awami League,” he added.
BNP Joint Secretary General Habib Un Nabi Khan Sohel alleged foreign interference in Bangladesh’s domestic affairs, accusing neighbouring India of sheltering Sheikh Hasina.
“Those responsible for killing our brothers and sisters must be brought to justice on the soil of Bengal,” he said.
Echoing this, BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie reiterated the party’s demand for legal action against the former prime minister.
“If Sheikh Hasina is not tried, the people will not forgive us,” he said, calling for unity among all groups aligned with the ideals of last year’s movement.
The rally featured a large stage set up at the Shahbagh intersection and spilled into surrounding areas including TSC, Matsya Bhaban, and Katabon, effectively paralysing traffic.
The event officially began at 3:16pm with a recitation from the Quran and the national anthem, though participants had begun gathering from early morning.
Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib presided over the rally, which was moderated by General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir. BNP Student Affairs Secretary Rakibul Islam Bakul delivered the keynote address.
Nasir described the rally as “historic and unparalleled,” claiming it to be the largest student mobilisation Shahbagh has ever witnessed.
Despite intermittent rain, the crowd remained undeterred, with activists chanting slogans and marching in groups.
A large banner next to the stage featured photographs of those who lost their lives during the July-August movement and other political campaigns under what organisers termed repressive regimes.
To ensure discipline and reduce public inconvenience, Chhatra Dal had circulated internal guidelines advising members on proper conduct, cooperation with authorities, and cleanliness.
Elsewhere in Dhaka, the National Citizen Party (NCP) held a separate commemorative event at the Central Shaheed Minar. With major public gatherings taking place across the Shahbagh, Suhrawardy Udyan, and Central Shaheed Minar areas, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) temporarily suspended traffic at key intersections.