Staff Reporter :
BNP Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, has called on citizens to remain vigilant to ensure their voting rights are not undermined by any form of political manipulation.
Speaking at an event marking Buddha Purnima on Saturday afternoon, Rahman stated, “The BNP seeks to establish a democratic government, elected through direct votes, that is accountable to the people.”
He stressed the importance of sustained public awareness, saying, “Until a responsible democratic administration is in place, every citizen-whether here or across the country-must stay alert and aware to prevent any force from suppressing our political and democratic rights.”
Highlighting democracy as the most effective global framework for creating a humane and secure state, Rahman asserted that those who oppose democratic principles are deemed as malign actors within democratic societies.
“The party that ruled Bangladesh with authoritarian control over the past decade has been labelled as such by the pro-democracy population of the country,” he added.
Citing the movements of 1971, the 7th of November 1975, the 1990 uprising, and the mass protests of 2024, Rahman said the people of Bangladesh are united on two fronts: resisting any attempt to turn the country into a puppet state and ensuring that fugitive, anti-democratic elements do not return to power. “The people will no longer compromise on these matters,” he declared.
“All political parties aligned with Bangladesh’s national interests, including the BNP, fully endorse the people’s demands,” Rahman continued.
“Those who repeatedly violated the constitution and formed illegitimate governments must face legal consequences.
The citizens of Bangladesh categorically reject any rehabilitation of corrupt, fugitive forces implicated in abductions, killings, looting, and money laundering.”
The event, held at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, began with the recitation of the Tripitaka by Buddhist monks, including M. Shree Indra Bansha Bhikkhu, Bhante Sudharma, Bhante Samaitri Ratan Bhikkhu, and Ananda Priya Sraman. Rahman extended warm greetings to the Buddhist community on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.
While expressing continued support for the interim government, Rahman urged it to publish a transparent roadmap to avoid public uncertainty and mistrust.
He also appealed to the media to expose human rights violations and targeted attacks on religious minorities over the past 15 years, referencing incidents in Ramu, Nasirnagar, Rangpur, Gaibandha, and Sunamganj.
“If investigative journalism brings the perpetrators of these attacks to light, I believe no political actor will again dare exploit religious communities for political gain,” he said.
Looking ahead, Rahman pledged that a future BNP-led government would establish an all-party, multi-faith Citizen Investigation Commission comprising civil society representatives to thoroughly investigate past communal incidents.
The event was chaired by BNP’s Assistant Secretary for Religious Affairs, Dipen Dewan, and moderated by Subhash Chandra Chakma.
Senior party figures including Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, as well as leaders from the Buddhist community and civil society, addressed the gathering.
The programme concluded with the distribution of traditional sweets to guests from the Buddhist community.
