BNP acting chairperson Tarique Rahman has called on all political parties to uphold democracy and continue their political practice, even if they have differences on various issues.
Speaking at a rally in front of the BNP central office in Naya Paltan on Wednesday, he urged everyone to remain united on national interests.
The rally was organised by BNP’s Dhaka divisional units, marking one year since the fall of “Awami fascism” and the victory of last year’s student-led mass uprising movement.
“There will always be differences of opinion,” Tarique said. “But that should be resolved through discussion. But on national issues, pro-democracy parties must not turn away from each other. Religion, philosophy, and ideology may differ, but the state belongs to all of us.”
He recalled the loss of many lives during the fascist regime.
“We lost many brave people, including army officers. Some families are still waiting for the return of their loved ones who were forcibly disappeared. Even a four-year-old child in their mother’s arms was not spared during the uprising.”
Referring to the past authoritarian regime, he said, “It is not easy to come back to the path of light from the darkness that the fallen autocrat had led us into. We must remain alert about their conspiracies.”
Tarique said that as long as the people’s political power is restored and their political and economic rights are ensured, fascism will never rise again in Bangladesh.
Describing the BNP-led rally as part of the journey toward democracy, he said, “During fascism, all our democratic and political rights were snatched away, and one could say that the entire country was turned into a brutal prison like the notorious Aynaghar. Without democracy, no one among us is safe. Only democracy and the rule of law can ensure people’s safety.”
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, also present at the rally, said, “The fascists exiled our leader Tarique Rahman with false cases. Thousands of our leaders and activists faced torture. But none of them bowed their heads.”
He said the date for the upcoming election would be announced soon and called on everyone to pledge to build a better Bangladesh based on equality, human dignity, and justice. The chief adviser had announced on Tuesday that elections would be held in February 2026, with the Election Commission slated to provide a specific date later.
Mentioning the BNP’s 31-point reform plan, he said, “BNP is a reform-oriented party. Through the recently announced July Declaration, our reform efforts will, Inshallah, be implemented.”
BNP standing committee member Mirza Abbas warned of ongoing conspiracies. “Some are even hearing the footsteps of another 1/11,” he said, referring to the 2007 military-backed caretaker regime.
He noted that although the July Declaration did not mention Ziaur Rahman, who introduced multi-party democracy, or Begum Khaleda Zia, it was still a step toward national unity. “For the greater interest of the country, we welcome the government’s initiative,” he added.
Other senior BNP leaders were also present at the event.