Urging all to remain vigilant against any attempts to obstruct the path of democratic transition, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said his party still intends to show restraint despite what he described as the Election Commission’s recent controversial roles and positions.

Speaking at a views-exchange meeting with family members of victims of enforced disappearances, killings and torture during the anti-fascist movement, he also said that despite widespread repression, BNP leaders and activists never went into hiding or assumed a clandestine posture in the name of strategy.

“Though it is painful to say, we have recently witnessed some controversial roles and positions taken by the Election Commission. Even then, as a responsible political party, we want to demonstrate patience,” Tarique said.

He said generations of democracy-loving people should draw inspiration from the sacrifices of the martyrs and from those who were forcibly disappeared and are still missing, for whom families continue to wait.

Amra BNP Poribar and Mayer Daak jointly arranged the programme at Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Center.

The event honoured victims of enforced disappearances, killings and torture during the Awami League government, and paid tribute to the late BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

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Warning that some quarters are trying to create controversy to obstruct the democratic path, Tarique urged people of all political affiliations who believe in democracy to remain vigilant. “Those who are trying, using various pretexts, to create controversy and once again ruin the democratic path must not be allowed to succeed.”

Referring to the long anti-fascist movement, he said its intensity had at times subsided and at other times reached its peak, but BNP leaders and activists never abandoned the streets despite years of enforced disappearances, killings, abductions, false cases, harassment and torture.

“In the same family, if one brother was forcibly disappeared, another stepped forward to take his place and stood on the streets, pledging to intensify the movement further. BNP activists did not go into hiding or assume a covert or dormant posture in the name of strategy,” Tarique said.

“I firmly believe that no one can suppress a party whose leaders and activists take such an uncompromising stand against injustice through conspiracy or propaganda, Insha’Allah,” the BNP Chairman observed.

Addressing the bereaved families, the BNP Chairman reiterated the party’s long-standing pledge that if BNP, with the support of the people, forms the government, it will name important roads and key state institutions after the martyrs so that future generations can remember them with pride. “We are with you,” he said.

Tarique also said families who suffered from state violence deserve proper state support. “I personally believe that the state must extend support to these families to the fullest extent possible,” he added.

He said Bangladesh now has an opportunity to build a humane state that is accountable to the people.

Tarique stressed the urgent need to establish a democratic government in Bangladesh to ensure justice for all past wrongs, including enforced disappearances, killings and torture during the Awami League’s rule.

“If we miss this opportunity to form a responsible democratic state and government, the sacrifices of our martyrs will go unrecognised, and it will be an injustice to them,” he said.

The BNP leader recalled those who were martyred in 1971 for the country’s independence, those who lost their lives in the 1990 anti-autocracy movement, victims of enforced disappearances over the past 16 years, and those who were martyred, injured or otherwise suffered during the August 5, 2024 movement.

“All their sacrifices must be honoured with justice. To ensure justice for every injustice, a democratic government in Bangladesh is essential,” he added.

Tarique also said the only way for families of victims to receive justice under the country’s laws is to establish a democratic government that fulfils the aspirations of the people and ensures justice for those who were oppressed and tortured.

He called on all to remain committed to the cause, saying, “Let us take a pledge today and hold on to this expectation. Your presence here should not go in vain. We will work patiently so that justice is delivered for all wrongs and the families of martyrs and victims receive their rightful justice.”

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"The state can never forget you. To honour the sacrifices of all martyrs, BNP has planned initiatives,” Tarique said. 

He, however, did not share the full details of the plan due to Election Commission regulations and the Election Code of Conduct.

Some family members of those who were forcibly disappeared also shared their experiences of grief and suffering during the programme.