BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday voiced grave concerns over the unfolding political situation in the country, alleging that a conspiracy is afoot to tarnish the army’s image and turn it against people.

“Someone somewhere may be trying to instigate something. We are witnessing attempts to make the army controversial and pit it against people," he said while virtually addressing an iftar programme.

In light of this, the BNP leader called on the patriotic citizens of the country to thwart the conspiracy at any cost through united efforts.

The BNP media cell organised the iftar at the Ladies Club in the city’s Eskaton in honour of journalists from various print, electronic and online outlets.

“Just as we saw a few days ago, where efforts were made to pit reform against elections, in the same way, attempts are being made to position the military against the people…we can understand there’s a plot behind this attempt,” Tarique said.

He said it is possible to resist the plot if all patriotic citizens of the country remain vigilant and united. “We must tackle this plot at any cost.”

The BNP leader called on journalists to play a crucial role in this regard by helping the nation overcome the crisis.

“We will surely be able to thwart the plot if you (journalists), from your respective positions, present the facts and accurate information regarding the various issues that have been used to create confusion,” he said.

The BNP leader said a certain quarter has continued its conspiracy against the country and its independence and sovereignty. “If we all work together, we will surely be able to resist it.”

He said the restoration of democracy is now the only way to safeguard the people’s democratic rights, ensure their economic freedom, and bring stability to the country.

The BNP leader said all of the country’s institutions were destroyed during the last 15 years of fascist rule.

Tarique urges political parties to prioritise public issues alongside reforms

Alongside political leaders and activists, he said people from all walks of life sacrificed their lives and endured oppression and repression over the past 15 years with the aim of achieving positive change.

“Our call will be to provide the necessary support to the people of Bangladesh in this regard, and as a political party, we will do everything we can to assist them,” Tarique said.

He said while reform is now a much-discussed issue, BNP has presented its reform outlines to the nation at various times since 2017.

Tarique said many people of the country sacrificed their lives during the July-August mass uprising to oust the dictator and establish democracy and their rights.  “We all must come together on a single platform to make their (martyrs of the mass uprising) sacrifice meaningful. We must all remain vigilant and play our respective roles from our positions,” he said.

The BNP leader also said the people of the country expect the establishment of democratic rights and a change in the country, hoping for a return to stability in Bangladesh.

Speaking at the programme, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said a new conspiracy has been initiated very cleverly. “This plot aims to destabilise Bangladesh again and plunge the country into danger. The institutions of Bangladesh, which are still crucial for safeguarding the country's independence and sovereignty, especially the military, are being made controversial.”

He said the objective behind this conspiracy is similar to when Bangladesh’s independence was once threatened in the past. “Now efforts are being made to once again endanger the country's independence and sovereignty. We’re being made vulnerable again, and a malicious attempt is underway to tarnish the reputation of our patriotic military, who stood by the nation at every critical moment.”

Fakhrul said journalists have always stood as the conscience of the nation, providing the people with accurate information during times of crisis. “We expect you to continue playing that same vital role.”

He also expressed hope that the entire nation would remain united and thwart the plot to destabilise the country.