Without naming any political party, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said that some leaders of the once “secret organisation” have turned into new tyrants, behaving like autocrats.
“Mothers and sisters of the country are not safe from them,” he said, adding that after 5 August 2024, the party has been using the same abusive language against BNP as was used by past autocratic regimes.
Speaking at an election rally at Bells Park Ground in Barishal City, Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh will be governed according to the people’s verdict.
“The people will elect a government on 12 February that will be accountable to them,” he said.
He criticised leaders of the covert party for making slanderous remarks against women.
“Those leaders and workers have no respect for mothers and sisters. They have no regard for human dignity,” he added.
Tarique cited a recent statement from a leader of the covert party in Cumilla, who reportedly said they would beg for votes until 12 February and reverse their stance afterward. “This reveals the mentality of such people,” he said.
He warned that if such parties are elected, the lives of ordinary citizens will become unbearable.
“The covert forces are the other side of the same coin as the autocrats. They have always sided with them - in ’71, ’86, ’96, and during the past 15 years,” he said.
Addressing local issues in Barishal, Tarique Rahman highlighted river erosion as a major problem and urged the construction of embankments.
He stressed that many development projects initiated during BNP’s previous tenure remain unfinished and must be completed if BNP comes to power.
Stressing gender equality, he said, “The country cannot progress by keeping women confined to homes. Men and women must work shoulder to shoulder to build the nation we desire.”
Tarique also condemned the covert parties for making derogatory remarks about women, saying, “Their statements belittle the people. If they come to power, life will become unbearable. People must remain cautious.”
The rally, presided over by Moniruzzaman Khan Faruq, Convener of Barishal City BNP, saw the introduction of BNP and alliance candidates for 21 parliamentary seats across six districts of Barishal Division.
After nearly 20 years, Tarique Rahman’s rally drew massive crowds from various districts and upazilas. He arrived by helicopter at Barishal Outer Stadium at 12:20 pm and proceeded to the rally venue in a motorcade, cheered by activists. The event was filled with slogans in favour of the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol.
Leaders and activists attending the rally expressed hope that a BNP government under Tarique Rahman will prioritise development in southern Bangladesh.
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