BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday called for united efforts to restore democracy in the country through a free and fair election and the formation of an accountable government.
In a message marking the English New Year 2026, he also appealed to people to reject destruction and revenge and instead build a society founded on love, tolerance, peace and harmony.
“The past year still remains vivid in our minds. Alongside achievements and successes, there were also bitter experiences and the pain of losing loved ones, which have left us both encouraged and deeply saddened,” Tarique said.
“On this day, our commitment must be to form an accountable government through a free and fair election, ensure the political and economic empowerment of the people, and work together to fully restore democracy,” he added.
The BNP leader said anti-democratic, defeated forces kept all the rights of the people captive for a long time.
He said the nation must once again begin the task of establishing multi-party democracy through the united efforts of all democratic forces.
Extending New Year greetings, Tarique wished peace, happiness, wellbeing and prosperity for people at home and abroad.
He said the arrival of the New Year carries new hope, new messages and fresh determination, while the experiences of the past year help people move forward with lessons learned.
The BNP leader noted that January 1 has become an international celebration, where different nations observe the New Year while preserving their own cultural traditions.
He said the New Year is not only a festival but also a reflection of culture, heritage and collective values.
“In the new year, we dream anew of building a beautiful and prosperous Bangladesh. We aspire to build a nation where every citizen matters and every voice is free,” Tarique said.
He said that the New Year brings a fresh rhythm of life, new hope and new possibilities to everyone, and expressed the hope that Bangladesh would move forward on a path of immense potential.
Tarique also said that all injustice, oppression and persecution should be banished forever, noting that the English New Year has become an inseparable part of everyday life across the world.
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He said that colourful celebrations are held across the world to welcome the New Year, and on this festive occasion, he once again called upon the people of the country to make a collective effort to move the nation forward by overcoming all social and political barriers.
“Let our message in the New Year be: not destruction, not revenge—let us build a society based on love, tolerance, peace and harmony. We must build a democratic Bangladesh founded on human rights and social justice,” the BNP leader said.