Some pol parties’ actions may imperil people’s rights: Tarique
Staff Reporter :
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday cautioned that the recent activities of certain political parties, who once joined hands in the anti-fascist movement, may now be creating circumstances that threaten people’s rights and opportunities.
Virtually addressing the ‘Hindu Representative Council 2025’, Tarique said the interim government’s foremost responsibility is to establish a democratic administration through free and fair elections, not to serve the interests of any particular political party.
“The conduct of some allies from the anti-fascist street movement may now be contributing to a situation that risks destroying the rights and opportunities of many citizens, including yours and mine.
If instability returns, it could open the door for the rehabilitation of the fallen, defeated, and fugitive fascist forces,” he warned.
Tarique urged the interim government and all pro-democratic, anti-fascist forces to remain alert, noting that some elements who once used covert tactics to survive under fascism might now be employing similar secret strategies to obstruct the country’s democratic transition.
“The defeated and fugitive forces of August 5 must not be allowed to use any political party as a cover to secretly create instability.
To counter such covert moves, the key is to preserve and strengthen national anti-fascist unity,” he emphasized.
He reaffirmed that the BNP remains firmly committed to cooperation and understanding with the interim government and its partners in the anti-fascist movement.
The programme was organised by the Matua community – a Hindu religious sect founded by Harichand Thakur – at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh.
Describing BNP as a peaceful, tolerant, and people-centric political party, Tarique said respecting differing opinions and maintaining a positive attitude towards diverse political views are integral to BNP’s political culture.
“BNP’s politics is dedicated to ensuring the political and economic empowerment of the people,” he added.
In a fascism-free Bangladesh, he said, the interim government’s primary task should be to establish a democratic administration accountable to the people through transparent and participatory elections.
“It is certainly not the interim government’s duty to promote any party’s agenda.
That is why, instead of exerting pressure, BNP believes in expressing its differing opinions through constructive dissent,” Tarique said.
Addressing the Hindu community, he noted that the interim government has already announced that the national election will be held in February next year. “In that election, you will freely exercise your right to vote and choose your representatives,” he said.
Tarique assured that BNP has prepared a comprehensive plan for building a harmonious and prosperous Bangladesh.
He pledged that, if entrusted with forming the next government, BNP will introduce ‘Family Cards’ for 5 million low-income families – to be issued in the names of female heads of households – as part of its poverty alleviation initiative.
He also said BNP plans to provide ‘Farmers’ Cards’ to small and marginal farmers to help them achieve gradual economic self-reliance.
“BNP’s vision is clear – a democratic Bangladesh where every citizen, irrespective of religion or background, can live with dignity, freedom, and equal opportunity,” he affirmed.
The BNP leader said justice and the rule of law are the ultimate guarantees of safety for all citizens, regardless of religion, class, or political affiliation.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said their party seeks to build a non-communal, progressive, and democratic Bangladesh as envisioned by BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.
He added that the Matua community aspires to live with dignity, and BNP is committed to ensuring equal rights and respect for all citizens, regardless of caste or creed.
Fakhrul also called upon members of the Matua community to support BNP in the upcoming national election so the party can earn the people’s mandate to form the next government.