Tarique Urges Vigilance, Vows BNP Restraint Amid EC Issues

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday called on the public to stay alert against any attempts to derail Bangladesh’s democratic transition, while emphasising that his party would continue to exercise restraint despite what he described as controversial actions by the Election Commission.

Speaking at a views-exchange meeting with families of victims of enforced disappearances, killings, and torture during the anti-fascist movement, Tarique said BNP leaders and activists had never gone into hiding or adopted a covert stance, even under widespread repression.

“Though it is painful to say, we have recently witnessed some controversial roles taken by the Election Commission. Even then, as a responsible political party, we want to show patience,” he said.

He urged generations of democracy-minded citizens to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of martyrs and those who remain missing, whose families continue to wait for justice.

Addressing the bereaved families, Tarique reiterated BNP’s pledge that, if the party forms a government with public support, key roads and state institutions would be named after the martyrs to honour their legacy. “We are with you,” he added.

He also said families affected by state violence deserve full state support. “I believe the state must extend its assistance to these families to the fullest extent possible,” he noted.

Tarique warned that some groups were trying to create controversy to obstruct the democratic path, urging all supporters of democracy to remain vigilant. “Those attempting to disrupt democracy through various pretexts must not be allowed to succeed,” he said.

Reflecting on the anti-fascist movement, he said its intensity varied over time, but BNP leaders and activists never abandoned the streets, despite enforced disappearances, killings, abductions, false cases, harassment, and torture.

“In many families, when one brother was forcibly disappeared, another stepped forward to continue the struggle. BNP activists never hid or assumed a dormant posture in the name of strategy,” Tarique said.

“I firmly believe no one can suppress a party whose leaders and activists take an uncompromising stand against injustice,” he added.

The programme was organised by Amra BNP Poribar and Mayer Daak at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center.