- BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday unequivocally said no one will be allowed to ‘murder democracy’ or ‘bring back fascism’ again in Bangladesh.

“An unprecedented national unity against fascism has been formed on the blood-stained streets through the sacrifices of our thousands of martyrs. Fascism will never return to Bangladesh. No one will get the chance to abolish democracy,” he said in a video message to the nation, marking the anniversary of the July-August mass uprising.

The BNP leader also said no one will ever be allowed to turn the country into a subservient state again. “I believe this unity on these important issues still exists, and it will continue.”

Tarique called on the people of the country to observe August 5th every year as a day of commitment to democracy, good governance, and humanity.

“Let every August 5 become a day to renew our pledge to uphold democracy and human values. In this long journey to fulfill that pledge, I and my party, the BNP, seek the support and cooperation of all democracy-loving people,” he said.

In a fascism-free Bangladesh, Tarique said it is natural for political parties to have differences based on their own views and goals. Such differences are not a problem, but part of the beauty of democracy, he said.

“But I humbly urge all political parties and democratic forces to remain alert so that our disagreements do not allow fascism, extremism, or radicalism to rise again,” he said.

Tarique said every political party should go to the people with its own programmes and goals. “People will decide what they accept or reject. This is how the state should give power to its citizens through regular democratic practices.”

He said the true power of people will only be established when citizens can freely elect their representatives -- from local bodies to the national parliament -- and gain the ability to form or change governments by voting.

“Let us work to politically empower the people by giving them opportunities to practice their democratic and political rights -- whether it’s in running the state, the government, the administration, or in daily life. If we fail to make the people strong, then nothing else will be strong or lasting,” the BNP leader said.

Tarique said just after the most hated fascist fled on August 5, 2024 -- one of the darkest days in the country's history -- he sent a message to the brave people, saying that a victory becomes meaningful only when the defeated are kept safe.

Recalling that message again, he urged democracy-loving people not to take the law into their own hands, not to encourage mob violence, not to act violently towards women, and to always respect the freedoms of others.

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The BNP leader said his party wants to build the kind of Bangladesh that a mother dreams of where no matter which party, religion, or race someone belongs to and whether one is a believer, non-believer, or unsure, every child and every person can live together safely.

The BNP leader said defending those fascist forces that have damaged the country are never acceptable.

“There is no comparison to the fascist rule of the past fifteen years, except maybe the three and a half years after independence. So, I humbly urge everyone, not even Hitler’s Nazism is remembered with pride. Just like a robber who gives a part of the stolen money to charity is still called a robber, in the same way, while criticising the interim government, trying to defend the fugitive fascists in clever ways is also unacceptable,” he said.

Tarique reminded those who try to compare the fascist regime with the current interim government that what happened on August 5 in Bangladesh are not only unprecedented in the country's history but also rare in world history.

On that day, he said, the fascists ran away from Ganobhaban, so-called MPs fled leaving the parliament building, the Chief Justice left the court, the Chief Khatib fled Baitul Mukarram Mosque and the ministers deserted the cabinet.

“The fascists’ allies went into hiding. But what is worrying is that even now, there is no sign of regret or apology from the fugitive fascists,” said the BNP leader.

Tarique said 1971 was the year of the war to win independence, and 2024 was the war to protect that independence.

He said Bangladesh has not forgotten the martyred freedom fighters of 1971, and it will not forget the martyrs of the mass uprising of 2024.

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“From 1971 till today, at every turn in history, lakhs of people have sacrificed their lives to win and protect the country’s freedom, to fight against dictatorship and fascism, and to restore democracy. On this day, I again pay deep respect to all martyrs and pray to Allah for the quick recovery of those who were injured,” said the BNP leader.

He said the martyrs, who laid down their lives for the freedom and rights of people and the country, have left the nation deeply indebted.

“Now it is our turn to repay the debt to the martyrs and their families. We can do that only by making sure people get political and economic power, by ensuring equality, dignity, and social justice, and by building a democratic, just, and humane Bangladesh,” Tarique said.

He said the people of Bangladesh will enjoy the 5th August, a public holiday every year as ‘Mass Uprising Day’, celebrating what he called the end of fascist rule in Bangladesh.

“Exactly one year ago from today, on this day in 2024, fascist Hasina fled the country. The nation was freed from the grip of a monster. For the freedom-loving, democracy-loving people, this day is one of joys and victories. The interim government has declared this day as 'July Mass Uprising Day'. From now on, people will enjoy this day every year as a public holiday,” Tarique said.

He said a fugitive autocrat had established a reign of terror in the 21st-century in Bangladesh where enforced disappearances, killings, abductions, attacks, false cases, torture and oppression became common and normal part of life.

During the movement against this fascism, which lasted for more than fifteen years, Tarique said lakhs of leaders and activists from BNP and other pro-democracy parties were made to suffer terribly by turning the country a hell.

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“Due to hundreds of false cases, millions of opposition leaders and supporters were forced to leave their homes. Many even lost their family ties,” he said.

Tarique also said secret detention centres, known as ‘Aynaghar’, were built to silence dissent. “Many people were locked up in dark rooms for years. Some, like former MP Ilias Ali and Commissioner Chowdhury Alam, are still missing.”

He accused the Awami fascist regime of destroying key national institutions like the judiciary and the Election Commission, rigging elections and undermining the constitution.

The BNP leader also blamed the Sheikh Hasina regime for ruining the economy, looting the banking sector and siphoning off nearly Tk 28 lakh crore abroad from the country.

Tarique praised the people’s courage during the uprising in July and August 2024, saying, “People from all walks of life—students, workers, farmers, journalists, women, even mothers—joined the streets to fight for democracy. The regime used helicopters to shoot at protesters. Many children and young people lost their lives.”

He said more than 1,500 people were killed and at least 30,000 were injured in the uprising while hundreds became permanently disabled or lost their eyesight.

The BNP leader said the sacrifices of these brave people have united the nation against fascism.