BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday urged all political parties not to betray the blood of the martyrs of the mass uprising by pursuing narrow political gains through cunning tactics aimed at disrupting the national election.
“From my position, I would like to make a humble appeal to those who are taking advantage of the situation and using various deceitful tactics to maintain their influence over the state and government, instead of working to uphold the rights of people—please, do not betray the blood of the martyrs,” he said while virtually addressing a discussion.
The Bangladesh Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad organised the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, to honour the families of martyrs and professionals who suffered torture during the struggle to restore democracy.
Tarique alleged that certain quarters, by putting a gun to the interim government’s neck, want to keep their hold on power, influence the government and secure their own benefits through various means. “They are tactfully creating obstacles towards holding the national election. This is now gradually coming to light, and people from all walks of life are beginning to speak out about it.”
The BNP leader said the credit for the mass uprising does not belong to any single group or political party, as people from all backgrounds sacrificed their lives for a democratic Bangladesh.
“They took part in the uprising to establish their rights. Let us not forget the sacrifices of all the martyrs of the mass uprising amid the ongoing political calculations and or political polarisation,” he said.
Tarique also said while new demands continue to emerge every day, the nation must not lose sight of the martyrs’ sacrifices amid fresh political developments.
“The rulers may have changed, but the nature of governance seems to have stayed the same. If such a perception takes hold among the people, it will cause a serious crisis in the process of institutionalising democracy,” he warned.
“That is why I want to say again and again that it is now time for us to repay the debt we owe to the brave sons of the nation who gave their lives to free the country from fascism,” the BNP leader said.
PR to Trigger Fascism
Tarique expressed concerns that introducing a proportional representation (PR) electoral system in Bangladesh could open the door to separatism, fascism and extremism.
“We have recently seen a few political parties suddenly raising demands for the introduction of a PR-based electoral system. But the implementation of such a system in Bangladesh may pave the way for the growth of separatism, fascism, and extremism in the state and political landscape,” he said.
The BNP leader warned that the PR system is misleading and may lead to division in society, instability in politics, and chaos in governance. “In the context of Bangladesh, it could put our national independence and sovereignty at risk. If we want to maintain unity among the people, we strongly believe such a system should not be introduced.”
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He said while some parties may see the PR system as a democratic right, BNP believes that such an electoral system is not suitable for the country. “We believe this system does not serve the interest of the people or the nation.”
Referring to the 2024 mass uprising, Tarique said it once again proved that the unity of the people is the strongest force to keep Bangladesh free from foreign control and fascism.
He stressed that fascism or autocracy cannot be stopped by laws and regulations alone. “In fact, when laws are ignored, individuals find space to become fascist or autocratic.”
To resist fascism in politics and governance, the BNP leader said people must be politically and economically empowered. “If the people remain empowered and can freely exercise their rights, then their united strength will be enough to defeat fascism and autocracy.”
Tarique also said BNP has always supported the idea of a democratic government directly elected by the people and fully accountable to them.
He said those who sacrificed their lives for the country deserve national honour, remembrance and recognition.
At the beginning of his speech, Tarique expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the crash of a Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) training aircraft at Milestone School and College in the capital’s Diabari area. He offered prayers for the departed souls and wished a quick recovery for the injured.
He instructed party leaders and workers to stand by the victims and provide all necessary support for their treatment.
The programme was cut short due to the tragic incident, and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir rushed to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery without addressing the event.
Tarique Rahman also paid tribute to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War, the 2024 struggle to defend the country’s independence, and all who gave their lives in the fight for democracy over the years.
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A minute of silence was observed in honour of those who died in the air crash and the martyrs of anti-fascist movements. Special prayers were offered for the departed souls.
The event featured a documentary on the role of professionals in anti-fascist movements, including the July Uprising.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir presented crests to family members of those who were killed during various anti-fascist movements and political repression under what BNP described as the Awami League’s autocratic rule.