BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday urged the interim government to take effective steps to meet the expectations of people in order to foil any plots by evil forces.
“I want to warn the freedom-loving people of one thing, and I myself also want to remain alert that the conspiracy of the anti-democratic evil forces has not stopped yet against the interim government, he said virtually from London to a mammoth gathering at Nayapaltan.
The BNP leader said the associates of the deposed Awami League regime are still active in the country’s administration, in different positions, as well as abroad, to undermine the Dr Muhammad Yunus-led government.
He renewed his party’s support for the interim government, saying this administration can never be allowed to fail.
“But, if the interim government wants to keep itself alert, it must take effective steps to fulfil the expectations of people. It is now the demand of people,” Tarique said.
He congratulated the people of the country and the students for ending fascism through a successful popular uprising.
"The 7th November, 1975 was the day to distinguish between friends and foes of Bangladesh, while 5th August 2024 was the day to identify the enemies of Bangladesh," Tarique said.
He also said as long as the pro-Bangladesh forces remain united, no one will be able to undermine the country's independence.
The BNP leader said their rally is not aimed at raising a storm of protests against anyone, but rather a procession to safeguard the country’s interests and the voting and other rights of people.
“This procession of millions on the streets is a march of resolve to build a just, democratic and humane Bangladesh as envisioned by countless students, citizens, and martyrs as well as those who were injured in the anti-fascist movement,” he observed.
Tarique emphasised that it is crucial for every citizen to elect their representatives through their votes to ensure that fascism never returns to Bangladesh.
“As long as those aspiring to become representatives, from local governments to the central government, won’t remain dependent on the people’s vote, the people will not be able to fully enjoy the benefits of democracy,” he said.
Even in an environment free from autocracy or fascism, Tarique said it will be impossible to free low-income people from the curse of market syndicates unless their right to elect their representatives through direct voting is guaranteed.
“Let us ensure that this massive procession does not go in vain. With this expectation, I declare the auspicious inauguration of this rally,” the BNP leader said.
Addressing the programme, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Alamgir said that although Sheikh Hasina fled the country during the uprising, her cohorts are still lurking everywhere, ready to harm Bangladesh in various ways.
He said the nefarious efforts to destroy Bangladesh must be resisted by strengthening national unity. “No dictator will be allowed to strip the people of their rights again. Let us unite and ensure that only democracy will prevail in Bangladesh,” he declared.
Later, the party brought out a massive colourful rally in the capital around 3:32pm, marking ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’.
It proceeded towards Manik Mia Avenue, passing through Kakrail intersection, Kakrail Mosque, Matsya Bhaban, the Engineering Institute, Shahbagh, Hotel Intercontinental, Bangla Motor, Karwan Bazar, and Farmgate.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir concluded the rally with a brief address at Manik Mia Avenue at around 6:30pm.
Earlier, tens of thousands of leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies, many of them wearing colourful caps, assembled at Nayapaltan since noon, prepared to participate in a large-scale showdown.
Streets and alleys from Kakrail Mosque to Fakirerpool and adjoining areas were packed with BNP supporters, causing traffic disruption in the area.
Carrying banners, festoons, placards, and portraits of the party’s top leaders, BNP activists chanted slogans demanding elections and the withdrawal of cases against senior party leaders, including Tarique Rahman.
BNP observed ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’ on Thursday, commemorating the ‘civil-military uprising’ of 7 November 1975.
On November 7, 1975, amid political unrest, soldiers and civilians jointly freed then Chief of Army Staff Ziaur Rahman from confinement in Dhaka Cantonment, paving the way for his ascent to power.
