Staff Reporter :
BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Friday warned that “deposed autocratic forces” are attempting to re-emerge in Bangladesh’s political landscape, urging the interim government to announce without delay a clear roadmap for the upcoming national election.
Speaking virtually at a rally marking the fifth founding anniversary of the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, Tarique Rahman said, “The autocratic Awami League unlawfully formed governments for three consecutive terms by trampling the Constitution.
The people now demand to know – what steps has the interim government taken to ensure that such political usurpation does not recur in Bangladesh?”
The Awami League was overthrown in a mass uprising on 5 August 2024. Since then, an interim administration has been in place under significant public pressure to restore electoral democracy and ensure justice for past authoritarian practices.
“There is no room for blame games,” said Tarique. “If the interim government fails to act, the next elected government will have no option but to initiate legal proceedings against those responsible for constitutional violations.”
Reaffirming BNP’s longstanding stance, he stressed that governance must be grounded in the people’s mandate, delivered through free and fair elections.
“As a political party, BNP has consistently demanded the restoration of voting rights, an elected parliament, and a government chosen by the electorate,” he said. “But today, even voicing a demand for elections is vilified – a situation that benefits only fugitive autocrats.”
Tarique called on the interim administration to establish mechanisms that hold political parties accountable to the public. “When a government and parliament are truly answerable to the people, Bangladesh’s sovereignty cannot be compromised,” he asserted.
Welcoming the rise of new political forces following the collapse of the Awami League regime, he said, “While there may be ideological differences, we expect every political party to work for the national interest. The political structure must be redesigned to ensure that no one can turn Bangladesh into a client state again.”
He emphasised that all reforms must be inclusive and people-centric. “No reform will last unless the people are politically and economically empowered,” he said. “And any reform that overlooks the central demand for elections is inherently flawed.”
Reflecting on Bangladesh’s political history, Tarique highlighted two key milestones: the 1971 Liberation War and the 2024 Student-People’s Uprising. “These are defining national moments and will remain embedded in our collective memory,” he said.
His remarks come amid growing public criticism of the interim government’s failure to unveil an electoral roadmap. “Why is there a delay in announcing the election plan? This uncertainty is causing public unrest,” he warned. “It is the duty of the interim government to act now.”
Tarique also cautioned against the exclusion of political parties from the reform process, warning that such moves would deepen political disenfranchisement. “If political parties are sidelined, Bangladesh risks falling further into a state of depoliticisation,” he said.
The event was chaired by AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju and attended by several prominent political figures. Speakers included Mustafa Jamal Haider, Chairman of Jatiya Party (Zafar faction); Mahmudur Rahman Manna, President of Nagorik Oikya; Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP); Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party; Zonayed Saki, Chief Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon; Dr Dilary Chowdhury, political scientist; Maulana Mamunul Haque, Ameer of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis; Nurul Haque Nur, President of Gono Adhikar Parishad; Ahmad Abdul Quader, Secretary General of Khelafat Majlis; and AB Party General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad.
