Staff Reporter :
Tarique Rahman, the Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has issued a message of unity and inclusiveness during the Durga Puja festivities, emphasising the importance of equality, justice, and the democratic process.
His statement, shared on his verified Facebook page, was accompanied by a photograph showing people from diverse religious communities celebrating together.
Rahman highlighted the fundamental values of Bangladesh’s Liberation War, stating, “The essence of the Liberation War was rooted in equality, human dignity, and social justice.
The freedom fighters sacrificed countless lives so that every citizen, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or ideology, could freely enjoy their religious, political, cultural, and social rights.
At that time, distinctions between Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or Christian were irrelevant.”
Elaborating on the BNP’s vision for the nation, Rahman stressed the need for equal rights and freedoms for all citizens. “Our policy is straightforward: every citizen of this country should enjoy equal rights and freedom.
We believe that while one’s political affiliation, belief, or religion is a personal matter, the state is a shared entity where security is a universal right.
Whether Bengali or non-Bengali, believer or non-believer, reformist or traditionalist, our common identity is as Bangladeshis. This country belongs to all of us.”
Rahman rejected divisions based on religion or ethnicity, emphasising that such distinctions contradict the ideals of an independent Bangladesh. He called for unity and solidarity among all communities, asserting that it is the state’s responsibility to protect the rights of every citizen.
During this year’s Durga Puja, which is being observed amid challenges, members of the Hindu community have opted to scale back celebrations in many regions affected by severe floods, diverting resources toward relief efforts.
Despite these efforts, incidents of vandalism have been reported, with idols being damaged in certain areas.
Authorities in Sujanagar, Pabna, arrested a member of the Awami League’s youth wing, Jubo League, in connection with the destruction of a Durga idol.
Investigations are ongoing to maintain communal harmony during the festival.
In another message, Tarique Rahman underscored the importance of holding fair elections for the continuation of democracy in Bangladesh.
His message, marking Shaheed Jehad Day, a commemoration of the sacrifice made by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal activist Nazir Uddin Ahmed Jehad during the anti-Ershad movement on October 10, 1990, emphasised the need for an election-time non-party caretaker government to ensure free and fair elections.
“We must hold a free and fair election aiming at keeping the country’s democracy intact,” he stated. “Democracy doesn’t only mean the elections but also restoring people’s freedom and fundamental rights.”
Paying homage to Shaheed Jehad, Rahman called for a collective effort to protect Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty. “Being imbued with the spirit of Shaheed Jehad, we must work together to restore democracy and protect the country’s independence and sovereignty,” he said.
Rahman further emphasised the need to guard against internal and external conspiracies. “We have to prevent all conspiracies being orchestrated by evil forces at home and abroad,” he added.
Expressing deep respect for Jehad’s sacrifice, Rahman highlighted that Jehad’s martyrdom was instrumental in the movement against the autocratic rule of Ershad, and his determination to restore democracy remains unforgettable. “The movement was for re-establishing multi-party democracy, freedom of speech, and a free press,” he said.
Reflecting on the past, Rahman condemned the rule of Ershad for suppressing democratic freedoms. “Tyrant Ershad had killed democracy, and that’s why Jehad embraced martyrdom to restore democracy with his firm determination,” Rahman concluded.