Staff Reporter :
BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has said that Bangladesh’s relationship with India will depend on the will of the Bangladeshi people, warning that if India continues to support “autocratic” elements, it risks alienating ordinary citizens.
In an exclusive interview with BBC Bangla, published on Tuesday — his first media appearance in 17 years — Tarique said, “If India shelters autocracy and becomes unpopular among the people of Bangladesh, there’s nothing we can do about it. The people have decided to keep a distance, and I must stand with my people.”
Tarique’s comments came in response to a question about strained Dhaka-Delhi relations over the past year, particularly after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5 and her subsequent stay in India. Asked whether a BNP government would seek to change the dynamic, Tarique said his priority would be the interests of the Bangladeshi people above all else.
“Bangladesh comes first. I will look after the interests of my country and my people. Whatever I can do while upholding that, I will do,” he said.
On the nature of Bangladesh’s ties with India, Tarique stressed that Dhaka must secure its fair share of water from transboundary rivers and remain vocal about border killings. “Of course I want Bangladesh’s fair share of water. And of course I don’t want to see another Felani hanging on the border fence. We will never accept that,” he said, referring to the 2011 killing of a Bangladeshi teenage girl by India’s Border Security Force.
He further elaborated that BNP’s policy would be rooted in protecting Bangladesh’s rightful claims and dignity. “We want our due share, our people’s fair share. If my people are attacked, we will not accept that silently,” he said.
Reflecting on the military-backed caretaker government of 2007–08, Tarique described it as “a government driven by ill motives” that sought to dismantle Bangladesh’s growing democratic foundation. “We saw how they tried to depoliticize the country and drag it into darkness, even though democracy was gradually taking shape, despite its flaws,” he said.
Asked about his party’s relationship with the current interim government, Tarique said BNP supports its success in implementing reforms and ensuring a free, fair, and neutral election. “We want this interim government to succeed. Their main responsibility is to carry out essential reforms and hold a credible election. Our expectations as a political party are that they will fulfill this duty properly,” he said.
He added that BNP’s attitude toward the interim authority will depend on how effectively it performs these duties. “The warmth or chill in our relationship will depend on how well they do their job,” Tarique said.
BBC Bangla published the first part of the interview on Monday, marking Tarique Rahman’s return to the public political stage after nearly two decades of silence.
Meanwhile, I a separate programme yesterday Tarique Rahman said, If voted to power, the BNP will establish a commission to ensure the financial security of teachers. In addition, the BNP plans to form an education reform commission to modernise the country’s education system, emphasising practical and technical education in line with ethical, religious, and social values, he said while virtually speaking at a teachers’ rally at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka.
“We will form a high-level commission to positively consider enhancing teachers’ financial protection, ensuring job permanency, or even nationalising their employment depending on the state’s capacity,” the BNP leader said. Tarique stressed that teachers’ financial security and social dignity must be ensured to make the profession truly competitive.
“Teaching should never be seen as a last resort or an ordinary job. The BNP plans to make teaching the first career choice for the most talented individuals,” he said.
Thousands of teachers and staff from across the country attended the rally organised by the Teachers and Employees Unity Council, which has been demanding nationalisation of jobs for recognised non-government teachers and employees, elimination of discrimination in the kindergarten system, and unconditional registration.
