BD must not return to pre-August 5 conditions: Tarique Rahman

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has said Bangladesh must move forward without returning to the political conditions that existed before August 5, emphasising the need to safeguard democracy, accountability, and national unity in order to achieve lasting change.

Speaking during an exchange of views with editors and senior journalists at a city hotel on Saturday, Tarique Rahman said the country's recent history offers clear lessons about the dangers of political violence, division and the erosion of democratic processes.

“We had problems in the past and we still have challenges today,” he said. “But we must not go back to the situation that existed before August 5.”

Referring to key moments in both his personal life and the nation’s political journey, the BNP leader recalled the assassination of his father, President Ziaur Rahman, in 1981, the death of his mother and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on December 31, 2025, and the political unrest of August 5, 2024. He said these events underline why Bangladesh must avoid repeating cycles of instability.

Call for dialogue and restraint

Tarique Rahman warned that revenge, violence and counter-violence have repeatedly caused long-term damage to the country.

“The nation has seen what vengeance and vindictiveness can lead to,” he said. “Differences of opinion should never turn into conflict. If there is goodwill, dialogue can resolve many disagreements.

He urged people of all political views to work together to reduce divisions, saying national unity is essential for progress. According to him, deepening political polarisation only causes frustration and suffering for ordinary citizens.

Democracy and accountability

The BNP chairman stressed that maintaining democratic continuity and accountability at all levels of governance is crucial to restoring public confidence.

“We must keep the democratic process alive at any cost,” he said. “Only through accountability and participation can the desired change be achieved.”

He added that politicians must learn from defining moments in Bangladesh's history, including the Liberation War of 1971, the mass uprising of 1990 and the political developments of August 2024.

“If we reflect on these moments and act responsibly, we can lead the nation in the right direction,” he said.

Youth expectations and economic challenges

Tarique Rahman said his recent travels across the country since returning from abroad have highlighted growing expectations among young people.

“The new generation is looking for hope and direction,” he said. “Not just young people, but all generations expect responsible leadership from politics.”

He addressed questions on public safety, addressing concerns raised by journalists about women's security and emphasising the need to ensure safety for all.

“Security is not only a women’s issue—it concerns all citizens,” he said, citing the high number of deaths in road accidents each year as an example of governance failures that require urgent attention.

He also stressed that economic growth must be centred on job creation. “Without employment opportunities, no achievement can be sustained,” he said, adding that a future BNP government would focus on improving the living standards of women, farmers, expatriate workers and young people.

The BNP organised the programme to foster direct interaction between its Chairman and senior media members. The event began with recitation from the Holy Quran, after which Tarique Rahman greeted journalists individually.

In his welcome speech, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh has renewed hope among the public.

“After many difficult years, people believe there is now an opportunity to build a liberal democratic state under his leadership,” he said.

Senior BNP leaders, including members of the party’s standing committee, attended the event, alongside editors and journalists from national newspapers, television channels, radio stations, news agencies and online platforms.