BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, has alleged that a certain political party crossed the border into India for leisure during the 1971 Liberation War, while another faction directly opposed the war of independence.
He made these remarks on Wednesday (29 January) evening, addressing a workshop titled "31-Point Structural Reform and Public Engagement" organised by BNP’s Jhenidah, Jashore, and Narail district units via a virtual platform.
Tarique Rahman asserted that patriotism is an integral part of faith, emphasising that protecting the rights of citizens falls within this moral obligation.
He accused Sheikh Hasina’s government of orchestrating a 16-year-long campaign of oppression against BNP leaders and activists through enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, legal harassment, and violence.
He claimed that a significant portion of the public believes BNP alone can bring meaningful change to the nation.
Referring to the legacy of former president Ziaur Rahman, he remarked that the BNP's founder personally engaged in grassroots development and that the party remains committed to following his principles. Rahman highlighted BNP’s 31-point reform agenda, insisting it is solely designed for the welfare of the people.
However, he cautioned that achieving change would require perseverance, public trust, and internal reform within the party itself.
Call for Unity Amid ‘Conspiracies’
Tarique Rahman warned party members that BNP faces both domestic and international conspiracies ahead of the next general election.
He stressed the importance of unity and discipline among party leaders and activists, urging them to avoid actions that might erode public confidence.
He further directed BNP’s "lakhs of activists" to prepare for future political challenges.
Addressing the families of victims of enforced disappearances and political violence, he pledged that, if BNP comes to power, the state would formally honour those who lost their lives in past movements.
He also promised official recognition of July’s anti-government uprising, including renaming government establishments in honour of its martyrs.
Election and the Battle Against ‘Fascism’
Reiterating BNP’s stance on the upcoming elections, Tarique Rahman said the nation eagerly awaits a free and fair poll and is looking to BNP for leadership.
However, he warned that governing the country post-Hasina era would be a daunting task, given the alleged destruction of key state institutions by her administration.
He urged pro-democracy forces to remain united, declaring that only through collective resistance could the return of authoritarian rule be prevented.
‘Reform is the Greatest Revenge’
In a final note to party members, Rahman discouraged political vendetta, asserting that BNP’s true retaliation against past oppression would be the successful implementation of its 31-point reform programme.
He expressed confidence that fiscal prudence and anti-corruption measures would allow BNP to introduce unemployment benefits and expand state welfare initiatives if elected.
"The responsibility upon BNP is greater than any other party," he concluded, calling upon activists to remain steadfast in their commitment to democracy and national sovereignty.
