BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, speaking at the party’s iftar gathering organised in honour of political leaders on Wednesday, warned that if the interim government failed to control extremist groups and defeated fascist forces could once again threaten democracy in the country.
Meanwhile, senior leaders of various political parties, who attended the event, also underscored the importance of maintaining national unity among anti-fascist political forces.
“We would like to draw the attention of the interim government to the fact that if it fails to curb the nefarious activities of religious extremists, these extremist groups and defeated fascist forces may once again undermine democracy in the country. Furthermore, Bangladesh could face an image crisis in the democratic world,” Tarique stated during the event.
BNP hosted the iftar gathering at the Ladies’ Club in the capital’s Eskaton area, inviting representatives from various political parties.
“The future political settlement of democratic forces, including BNP, will focus on strengthening democratic governance in Bangladesh by bringing the fugitive mafia syndicate to trial at any cost and resisting the harmful activities of religious extremists to uphold the country’s non-communal democratic character,” he added.
Tarique Rahman emphasised that while a government’s term is fixed, a country’s political policy and governance require a long-term approach.
“To maintain a strong and sustainable political process, ensuring the political and economic empowerment of the people is crucial. The people, who have been powerless for over a decade and a half, are now ready to exercise their right to vote and establish a representative government,” he added.
The BNP leader reaffirmed the party’s commitment to successfully reforming the state and politics through an elected national government to establish a non-discriminatory, secure, democratic, and humane Bangladesh for current and future generations.
“To achieve this goal, if BNP is entrusted with governing the state in the upcoming national elections, it will form a national government comprising representatives of pro-democracy political parties and elected public representatives, as we have previously pledged to the nation,” he stated.
Tarique Rahman urged pro-democracy political parties, their leaders, activists, and supporters to remain vigilant against conspiracies attempting to weaken the unity forged on the streets, stained with the blood of thousands of martyrs in the mass uprising of the brave people.
The BNP acting chairman also expressed the expectation of democracy-loving citizens that the interim government would prioritise fair elections to establish a democratic government accountable to the people while taking necessary measures to ensure public safety and reduce suffering.
He highlighted the alarming rise in violence and sexual assaults against women and children in recent times.
Speaking at the iftar gathering, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stressed the necessity of moving towards democracy.
“We are unequivocal about early elections with minimal reforms so that we can establish a parliament truly representative of the people. We must form a government that reflects the will of the people, who will then determine the course of future reforms,” he said.
LDP Chairman Oli Ahmed said, “We must realise that this country is ours. There is no benefit in India’s mediation. We have sought mediation for a long time, and Bangladesh has suffered as a result.”
“This time, India lacks onions, this time, India lacks rice, but Bangladesh is in a strong position. We must take measures to stand on our own feet. If we continue to rely on others, we will never truly enjoy the benefits of independence,” he added.
Oli Ahmed expressed confidence that if young leaders, including Tarique Rahman, advance with experience, Bangladesh will not have to look back.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Md Taher asserted that national unity would be the most powerful tool for building a prosperous Bangladesh.
“With this goal in mind, we must unite on four key issues. On behalf of Jamaat-e-Islami, I stand for national unity. The four issues are—Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty, sustainable democracy, free and fair elections, and a corruption-free Bangladesh,” he stated.
The Jamaat leader added that if society unites on these principles, conspiracies would fail. “If we stand together, the fallen dictatorship and corrupt looters will never regain strength in this country,” he emphasised.
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam urged political parties to reach a consensus to eliminate “Mujibbadi” politics from future elections and the country’s political landscape.
“At present, political parties in Bangladesh genuinely represent the people and can hold an inclusive election. On 5 August, the people of Bangladesh bid farewell to Mujibism and the fascists of the Awami League. Mujibism will have no place in the upcoming elections in Bangladesh,” he declared.
Nahid Islam also called for a consensus on excluding the ousted fascist Awami League from participating in elections until the trial for genocide committed by the party and its government during the July-August mass uprising is completed.
“Fascist forces still exist in various sectors of our society. We must dismantle this fascist system and commit to building a new Bangladesh. Given the current environment, maintaining political unity is essential,” he added.
Jatiya Party (Kazi Jafar) Chairman Mustafa Jamal Haider, Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Gana Sanghati Andolon Chief Coordinator Jonayed Saki, and Gana Adhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Noor also spoke at the discussion, which was moderated by BNP Publicity Secretary Sultan Salauddin Tuku.
The iftar was attended by CPB’s Mohammad Shah Alam and Ruhin Hossain Prince; Khelafat Majlish’s Amir Mamunul Haque; Gano Forum’s Subrata Chowdhury; Biplobi Workers Party’s Bohnishikha Jamali; Bangladesh JSD’s Sharif Nurul Ambia and Nazmul Haque Prodhan; National People’s Party’s Fariduzzaman Farhad and Mostafizur Rahman Mostafa; AB Party’s Mujibur Rahman Manju and Asaduzzaman Fuad; BLDP’s Shahadat Hossain Selim; Gano Dal Chairman ATM Golam Maula Chowdhury; Jatiya Dal’s Syed Ehsanul Huda; JSD’s Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan; Labour Party’s Mostafizur Rahman Iran; Islami Oikya Jote’s Abdur Rakib; Bikalp Dhara Bangladesh’s Nurul Amin Bepari; Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam’s Mufti Mohiuddin Ikram; Jagpa leaders Khandaker Lutfur Rahman and Rashed Pradhan; Samyabadi Dal’s Syed Nurul Islam; NCP’s Sarjis Alam; and other political leaders.
BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salah Uddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, along with Vice Chairmen Barkat Ullah Bulu, Mir Nasir, Abdul Awal Mintoo, Ahmed Azam Khan, Abdus Salam Pintu, and others were also present.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
