BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed his commitment to creating a just and accountable state system to ensure that no one, in Bangladesh or anywhere in the world, is deprived of their fundamental human rights in the future.
In a message released to the media on Monday (9 December), signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Tarique Rahman shared his statement in observance of Human Rights Day, declared by the United Nations.
Tarique noted that 10 December has been celebrated annually as Human Rights Day since its declaration by the UN in 1950.
He highlighted that the theme for International Human Rights Day 2024 is “Our Rights, Our Future, Now.”
“I extend my deep solidarity to all oppressed individuals who have lost their fundamental rights across the globe,” said Tarique Rahman.
He reiterated his determination to build a fair and accountable state system to ensure that no one suffers deprivation of basic human rights in the future.
Reflecting on Bangladesh’s history, he remarked that the nation has endured a dark chapter of one-party rule, during which democratic rights were destroyed, and state machinery was exploited for personal empowerment.
Tarique condemned the repression faced by those who opposed such misrule, including politicians, journalists, students, workers, and ordinary citizens, who suffered false charges, imprisonment, physical torture, enforced disappearances, and even murder.
Paying homage to those who sacrificed their lives for civil liberties, such as freedom of speech, thought, worship, and the press, Tarique expressed profound respect for their memory.
He also extended sympathy to those still enduring oppression and repression.
Describing Bangladesh’s current journey as one towards restoring democracy and safeguarding human rights, Tarique said, “Our future state system, guided by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, must guarantee the protection of rights for all and ensure that no one is subjected to oppression.”
Highlighting this year’s theme for Human Rights Day, Tarique emphasised the need for unity against rights violations. He urged people to become aware, organised, and proactive in establishing a fair state system.
He also reflected on the ordeal faced by BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who endured prolonged imprisonment and wrongful conviction in what he termed an unjust and inhumane chapter in the nation’s history.
“This episode serves as a grim reminder that the fight against injustice must never waver,” he said.
Asserting that the nation is now united in its journey to secure true democracy while protecting human rights, Tarique Rahman reiterated his commitment to these principles, marking Human Rights Day as a time to renew this pledge.
