BNP’s acting chairperson Tarique Rahman has cautioned that a lack of unity among democratic forces could pave the way for “covert autocracy” in future.
“If we do not unite, if democratic forces do not unite, then just as dictatorship took root through the so-called election of 2008 and the ‘1/11’, covert autocracy may emerge in the future,” he made these remarks virtually as the chief guest at the Cumilla South BNP conference held at Cumilla Town Hall ground on Saturday afternoon.
“We must act according to the will of the people. One thing is clear. Bangladesh first. That is our beginning, that is our end. Bangladesh first.”
Tarique continued, “Enough speeches have been made. Now we must work. Let today’s conference slogan be unity, people, and reorganisation.”
He mentioned that BNP leaders and activists have taken to the streets with thousands, have gone to jail, have been victims of enforced disappearances, and dictators have fallen.
“Everyone must move forward unitedly. The time is now to work together and build a beautiful home. We must build this Bangladesh. We must reach out to the people.”
He also noted that meetings alone will not do. “We must go door-to-door, stand beside the people, and take our message to every household.”
Salauddin warns against political exploitation of religion, urges reform
Keynote speaker BNP Standing Committee member Salauddin Ahmed said, “We had long awaited such a day. After 16 years, this day has come. In times of joy, we often forget the past. We must not.”
He claimed that the amount of debt incurred during the past fascist era could have built 40 Padma Bridges. “The history of this Awami League government is a history of plunder.”
Mentioning the 2024 July Uprising, where 1,400 people were killed, people were shot from helicopters, and 20,000 were crippled, the BNP leader said, “We must not forget this. We are still struggling for reforms, for justice.”
“People have endured exploitation and oppression. They are raising their voices against it. Justice for every crime will come, but it will be a long process,” he said, adding, “That is why elections cannot be delayed.”
“Those who speak of reform today, do they know about Vision 2030 or the [BNP’s] 31-point programme? The 31 points are an epic in Bangladesh’s politics. If anyone proposes something acceptable beyond the 31 points, we will accept it.”
The history of the BNP is the history of reform, Salahuddin said, adding, “Islam is not a quota for politics. Those who want to use religion for politics must be resisted at the ballot box.”