BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday urged the people of Bangladesh to vow afresh to uphold the democratic process at any cost to steer the country back onto the right track.
"Democracy is universally accepted around the world. It is unfortunate, but true, that Bangladesh's democratic journey has been hindered many times in various ways. Let’s promise to continue the democratic process in the country at any cost," he said.
Speaking at a workshop, the BNP leader said over 1,500 people sacrificed their lives during the July-August mass uprising, while many BNP leaders and activists, as well as members of other parties, have faced enforced disappearances, killings and repression over the past 17 years in the struggle for democracy.
"If we can continue this democratic process, many problems will gradually be resolved, although not overnight for practical reasons. We, therefore, must pledge to sustain democracy, ensuring that people can vote freely and without fear in any election," he said.
Tarique also criticised the deposed autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina, stating that there was no accountability for the actions of that government, which led to killings, enforced disappearances, widespread money laundering, and the plundering of public assets.
"So, if we can maintain democracy at any cost, it will ensure the government's accountability to the people. When elected representatives fear facing the people and being held accountable, everything will gradually begin to move onto the right path," he said.
BNP worries over efforts to gag media by ‘disturbing elements’
The BNP leader also emphasised that accountability is crucial for implementing the party's 31-point state reform proposal. "But first, we must establish democracy," he said.
BNP's central training committee organised the workshop on the party’s 31-point state reform proposal at the Sylhet Shilpakala Academy auditorium.
Tarique Rahman warned BNP leaders and activists to remain vigilant, as he claimed that the fallen autocrats and their associates are plotting against the country and its people.
"I say almost every day that a plot is underway. Those who siphoned off thousands of crores of public money abroad, plundered national resources, and foreign countries that used Bangladesh for their benefits will not sit idle. They will continue their plots, as I have been warning every day," he said.
Tarique pointed out that although the autocrats have fled the country, their associates are still trying to create problems. "We must remain alert about this. If you read the newspapers for just two or three days, you’ll understand that something is happening somewhere. The conspirators are not sitting idle.”
He said the people of Bangladesh are looking towards the BNP, believing that the party is the safeguard for democracy, individual freedom, and freedom of expression.
"It is your responsibility to uphold the trust of the people. Your words, movements, behaviour, gestures, and activities must align with the people's expectations," Tarique told the party leaders and workers.
He also warned that if the BNP is harmed in any way, the country and the democracy will be damaged. "So, let us strive to build ourselves according to people's expectations. People will judge the BNP by observing you and your actions.”
The BNP leader expressed confidence that the party's leaders and followers who survived the tyranny and torture of the fugitive dictatorship will continue to endure and fulfil the hopes and aspirations of the people. "If we can protect the democratic process, only then will we be able to move the country forward and ensure the safety of its people.”