Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman has urged people to remain vigilant against what he described as attempts to derail the country’s democratic transition, while saying his party continues to exercise restraint despite concerns over the recent actions and positions of the Election Commission.
Speaking on Saturday at a views-exchange meeting with families of victims of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and torture during the anti-fascist movement, Tarique said the BNP remains committed to patience and responsibility, even as it observes what he termed controversial conduct by the Election Commission.
“Although it is painful to acknowledge, we have recently seen some controversial roles and positions taken by the Election Commission. Even so, as a responsible political party, we want to show restraint,” he said.
Tarique said Bangladesh now stands at a critical moment, with an opportunity to move toward a humane and accountable state. He called on people across political lines who believe in democracy to stay alert against any efforts to create instability or obstruct democratic progress.
He paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the long anti-fascist movement and to individuals who were forcibly disappeared and remain missing, saying their sacrifices should inspire future generations. Addressing their families, he reaffirmed the BNP’s pledge that, if elected with public support, the party would name major roads and key state institutions after the martyrs to preserve their memory.
“We are with you,” Tarique told the bereaved families, adding that those who suffered due to state violence deserve comprehensive support from the state. He said he personally believes the government has a moral responsibility to extend assistance to these families to the fullest possible extent.
The BNP chairman also rejected suggestions that his party retreated during periods of repression. He said that despite years marked by enforced disappearances, killings, abductions, false cases, harassment and torture, BNP leaders and activists remained visible and active.
He said that within families affected by enforced disappearances, other members often stepped forward to continue political activism, refusing to abandon the streets or operate in secrecy. “BNP activists did not go into hiding or adopt a dormant posture in the name of strategy,” he said.
Warning that some groups were attempting to manufacture controversy to once again damage the democratic process, Tarique said such efforts must not be allowed to succeed. He expressed confidence that no political party could be suppressed through propaganda or conspiracy if its leaders and activists remained steadfast against injustice.
The programme was organised by Amra BNP Poribar and Mayer Daak at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.
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