Tarique urges youth to resist fascism, cast first vote for BNP
NN Online:
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday called on the youth of Bangladesh to stand united against fascism, extremism, and radicalism, urging them to play an active and responsible role in shaping the country’s future.
Speaking virtually at a student rally organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) at Shahbagh in Dhaka—marking the anniversary of the July–August mass uprising—Tarique made a direct appeal to first-time voters to cast their ballots for BNP’s election symbol, the sheaf of paddy, in the upcoming national election.
“Young people must remain vigilant and take a conscious stand against the possible resurgence of fascism and extremism in Bangladesh,” he said, addressing JCD leaders, activists, and students nationwide.
He stressed the significance of youth participation in building a self-reliant and progressive nation, saying, “We want to build Bangladesh the way a mother envisions her child’s future—through the united efforts of the young and old.”
Tarique noted that nearly four crore new voters have been added to the rolls in the past 15 years, many of whom, he alleged, have been deprived of their voting rights under what he described as the rule of a “fugitive autocrat.”
He said the upcoming election offers a critical opportunity to restore those rights. “We seek the support of all, especially young voters, to implement BNP’s plan for a self-reliant Bangladesh.”
Ending his speech with a passionate call to action, Tarique urged youth and student activists: “Let your first vote be for the Sheaf of Paddy. Let us take a pledge today to become worthy citizens and builders of the Bangladesh envisioned by our martyrs.”
He also instructed JCD members to spread this message nationwide in preparation for the election.