Stating that justice will be the guiding principle of his future government in ensuring the rule of law, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday sought cooperation from all political parties and forces in building a ‘safe and humane Bangladesh’.
Addressing a post-election press conference at a city hotel, the BNP chairman also placed the highest importance on maintaining peace and order in the country, saying law and order must be kept normal at any cost and that no form of violence, retaliation, provocative activities, or wrongdoing will be tolerated.
“On the journey toward building a safe, humane and democratic Bangladesh, I seek the cooperation of all, regardless of party or opinion,” he said at his first press conference after his party secured a massive election victory.
Tarique said while competing against one another, misunderstandings or discord may have arisen in some places during the election. “I urge everyone to ensure that such disputes do not turn into revenge or retaliation.”
He called upon all democracy-loving people of the country to contribute to combating corruption, maintaining law and order, and ensuring accountability to the people from their respective positions so that Bangladesh may be established as a safe and humane nation.
Mentioning that the country have once again given the mandate to BNP, Tarique said the trust and love that the people have shown toward BNP must now be repaid through tireless and united efforts to improve the quality of life of the country’s citizens.
“I thank the BNP leaders, activists, and supporters across the country. Despite severe oppression and persecution, you did not leave the streets. You remained steadfast in the struggle to establish democracy. Now it is time to build the nation,” he said.
In this journey of rebuilding the country, the BNP chief said each and every one of us must play a responsible role. “We have celebrated this victory of democracy and human rights peacefully and with dignity.”
He called upon all BNP leaders and activists across the country to remain calm and vigilant to ensure that no unpleasant incidents occur anywhere in post-election Bangladesh despite numerous provocations, so that no malicious force can exploit the situation to create unrest.
He also said even after achieving a landslide victory, Tarique said he instructed BNP and allied party leaders and activists not to hold victory processions, adding that the victory was instead celebrated by offering thanks to Almighty Allah.
“Our position is clear. Peace and order must be maintained at any cost. No wrongdoing or unlawful activity will be tolerated. Regardless of party, religion, race, or differing opinions, under no circumstances will attacks by the strong against the weak be accepted. Justice will be our guiding principle,” the BNP Chairman said.
He said if the rule of law is not established, all efforts would be in vain and stressed that in upholding the rule of law—whether in government or in opposition and regardless of differing views—the law must be equal for every citizen of Bangladesh, and it would be enforced in accordance with statutory provisions.
Tarique congratulated the people of Bangladesh after his party’s landslide victory in the 13th national election. “I congratulate the people of Bangladesh. By overcoming all obstacles, you have paved the way for the establishment of democracy in the country.”
“This victory belongs to Bangladesh. This victory belongs to democracy. This victory belongs to the people who aspire to and have sacrificed for democracy. From today, we are all free, with the true essence of freedom and rights restored,” he added.
Tarique said they are about to begin their journey in a situation marked by a fragile economy left behind by an authoritarian regime, weakened constitutional and statutory institutions and a deteriorating law and order situation.
With people’s spontaneous participation, he said, a parliament and government accountable to the public through direct voting are being re-established in the country after more than one and a half decades.
“To ensure that no evil force can re-establish autocracy in the country, and to ensure that the nation is not turned into a subservient state, we must remain united and uphold the will of the people,” the BNP Chairman said.
Tarique thanked the 51 political parties that took part in the election, saying political parties are the “beacons of democracy” in a democratic state. “If both the government and the opposition play responsible roles from their respective positions, democracy will surely take institutional form in the country.”
He called upon all democratic political parties that participated in the election, saying that their ideas and perspectives are important in the nation-building process.
“Our paths and opinions may differ, but in the interest of the country we are one. National unity is our strength; division is our weakness,” Tarique said, adding that constructive and democratic opinions from all parties would be important in state governance.
He said a free, fair, and credible election was finally held peacefully in the country, meeting the expectations of the people.
The BNP chief extended special thanks to the interim government and the Election Commission, noting that their contribution to holding the long-awaited election will be remembered in the history of democracy.
He said BNP presented a framework for repairing the state through discussions with other democratic parties and people across the country, known as the 31-point agenda.
After BNP’s sweep, Tarique says ‘we are free’, greets nation
“Our election manifesto was formulated based on these 31 points. At the same time, BNP signed the July Charter with a note of dissent on certain issues. We are committed to the people and, Insha’Allah, will gradually implement every promise we have made,” Tarique said.
He said the victory of the party is a moment of great joy for BNP leaders, activists, and supporters across the country, as well as for all democracy-loving citizens.
According to unofficial results, the BNP secured 209 seats in the parliamentary polls. Tarique Rahman was elected from both Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6 constituencies.
Members of the BNP Standing Committee were also present at the press conference.