‘While Tarique sets foot country should shake’
Staff Reporter :
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday delivered an impassioned message to party leaders and activists, urging them to prepare for a moment he said should make “the entire country tremble” – the long-anticipated homecoming of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.
Addressing the opening session on the fifth day of the “BNP’s Plan to Build the Country” workshop in Dhaka, Fakhrul announced that Tarique Rahman is expected to return to Bangladesh “very soon,” ending his 17-year stay in London.
“Since all our senior leaders are present today, I want to say clearly: our leader Tarique Rahman is coming back soon. And the day he lands in Bangladesh, the whole country should feel that moment. Keep this in mind… You will make it happen, InshaAllah,” Fakhrul told party members, calling on them to prepare for a grand reception.
He said the BNP aims to move forward with a progressive vision, positioning Bangladesh with dignity on the global stage.
“We want development. To lift Bangladesh to a respectable place, we want to carry forward the ideas and plans of our leader.”
His comments came ahead of Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin’s scheduled address in the evening, during which the 13th national election timetable was expected to be announced.
Fakhrul said the declaration of the election schedule would open the path for citizens to choose new leadership through a fresh, participatory vote. “We now have the opportunity to work with the people to build a truly representative parliament – one that will lead Bangladesh to a new future, under the guidance of our leader Tarique Rahman.”
Calling for a decisive win in the upcoming polls, he said the BNP must overcome all challenges – including political hostility, obstacles and restrictions. “BNP has never bowed to defeat, and it never will.”
Terming the BNP a party rooted in the masses, the Liberation War, and the fight for democracy, Fakhrul urged leaders to stand united. “Nothing else guarantees success. Success comes from unity – unwavering, steel-like unity – and from the spirit to advance with our nationalist and democratic values.”
The six-day workshop – involving Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Ulema Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and other affiliated bodies – is designed to prepare grassroots leaders for pre-election activities. The fifth day’s session was inaugurated at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate, with Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi chairing the programme.
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to virtually address the closing session later in the afternoon. Leaders and activists have gathered to receive training aimed at helping them engage with citizens and communicate BNP’s plans, manifesto and pre-election commitments.