Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, has cautioned that efforts to build national unity must not devolve into autocracy, warning that such an approach would render the unity ineffective.
He urged all stakeholders to remain vigilant.
Dr Moyeen Khan made these remarks on Thursday afternoon (5 December), while addressing a memorial event at the National Press Club in Dhaka, commemorating Atikur Rahman Salu, a pioneer of Bangladesh's river and water rights movement and the leader of the International Farakka Committee (IFC).
The event was organised by the IFC.
During his speech, Dr Moyeen Khan emphasised the necessity of unity among political parties, particularly during discussions with the interim government, and stressed the importance of inclusivity, stating: "Unity is undoubtedly essential, irrespective of nationality, religion, or ethnicity. However, I must caution that unity in diversity, as the English phrase goes, is the key. If we attempt unity but slide back into autocracy akin to BAKSAL, it will not work. We must remain cautious. While democracy is easy to speak of, implementing it in reality is far from simple."
Reflecting on the aspirations of ordinary citizens, Dr Moyeen Khan remarked: “The psychological stance of Bangladesh’s people is rooted in their yearning for independence, their desire to speak freely, and their quest to vote. I am not speaking of businessmen or political leaders but the grassroots—the farmers, rickshaw pullers, and garment workers. Their aspirations are not centred on wealth or power but on their right to vote once every five years.”
He further expressed concern for the younger generation, stating: “Over the past two decades, has any member of the younger generation had the chance to vote? They have not. The grassroots people I spoke of earlier, if presented with two choices—wealth and power in one hand, and freedom in the other—would astonish you. Those who struggle for their daily meals would choose the right to vote over material gains. This reflects the truth about the people of Bangladesh."
Dr Moyeen Khan lamented the focus on wealth and positions of power, saying: “Sadly, instead of upholding this truth, we chase wealth, prestige, and titles—ministerial posts, the prime ministership, the presidency.”
Addressing the interim government, the BNP leader remarked: “You speak of reforms, which is commendable. However, let me be clear: unless we reform ourselves first, no external reform will ever succeed.”
The event was also attended by several prominent figures.
