BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman warned on Wednesday that extremists and fascist forces could once again threaten democracy in Bangladesh if not effectively controlled.
Speaking at an iftar gathering in Dhaka, he emphasized that his party, along with other democratic forces, is committed to preserving the country’s secular character and strengthening its democratic framework.
Addressing the interim government, Tarique cautioned that failure to curb religious extremism and radicalism could damage Bangladesh’s standing in the global democratic community.
BNP organized the iftar event at the Ladies Club in Eskaton, inviting representatives from various political parties.
“To maintain the country’s secular character, the programme to strengthen Bangladesh's democratic system will be the future political settlement of the democratic forces by bringing the fleeing mafia clique, responsible for massacres, to trial at any cost, alongside resisting the evil forces of extremism and religious fundamentalism,” he said.
He expressed concerns over attempts to undermine national unity, which he said had been built through mass movements and sacrifices.
Urging democratic political parties to remain united, he asserted that any conspiracy against national interests would fail if pro-independence and democratic forces stood together.
Tarique also called on the interim government to be transparent about its action plan to maintain public confidence. He argued that a clear roadmap would dispel doubts and hesitations among citizens.
While acknowledging that the previous government was not overthrown solely to facilitate elections, he stressed that its downfall was ultimately linked to its inability to conduct a free and fair vote.
“But it is even truer that the mafia regime collapsed brutally due to the failure to hold a fair election. So, there is no room to consider any election simply as a matter of whether a political party can come to power or not,” he added.
