BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said the return of party chairman Tarique Rahman has opened a renewed opportunity to rebuild Bangladesh as a liberal democratic state after years of political stagnation.
Speaking on Saturday at a views-exchange meeting between Tarique Rahman and senior editors and journalists, Fakhrul said the moment marked a turning point in the country’s political journey.
“At this critical juncture, the return of our leader Tarique Rahman has inspired fresh hope across the nation,” he said. “People believe that under his leadership, Bangladesh can once again move towards a liberal, democratic and accountable system of governance.”
The event was held at the Grand Ballroom of a hotel in Banani, Dhaka, and brought together editors and senior journalists from national newspapers, television channels, radio stations, news agencies and online media platforms. It began shortly after 11:20am with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by informal exchanges between Tarique Rahman and members of the media.
In his address, Fakhrul paid tribute to the late BNP chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, as well as to the freedom fighters of the 1971 Liberation War. He also acknowledged those who lost their lives during the July 2024 mass uprising, describing their sacrifices as central to the current political opening.
“These sacrifices have created an unprecedented opportunity to restore democracy and rebuild state institutions based on freedom, justice and pluralism,” he said.
Fakhrul added that the public’s expectations had grown after years of political uncertainty, restrictions on civic space and contested elections. He said many citizens now see the present period as a chance to re-establish democratic norms, including free elections, an independent judiciary and a free press.
The BNP leader’s remarks come amid heightened political activity following Tarique Rahman’s recent return to Bangladesh and his assumption of the party’s chairmanship. The opposition has framed the moment as part of a broader transition following the end of a prolonged political crisis, while insisting that it requires inclusive dialogue and institutional reform.
The views-exchange meeting was described by party officials as an effort to strengthen engagement with the media at a time when public debate and scrutiny are expected to play a key role in shaping the country’s democratic future.
Observers say the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the renewed political momentum can translate into lasting democratic reforms, with political leadership, civil society, and the media all likely to be under close watch.
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