A covert autocracy could emerge in Bangladesh if democratic and nationalist forces fail to remain united ahead of the national election, said BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday.
“In the past 15 years, the nation has seen another form of autocracy, and people have eventually removed it. If we cannot make the people understand the ground reality, if we fail to remain united, then in the coming days a hidden autocracy could emerge in the country.”
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel. Tarique’s comments came at the biennial council of BNP’s Cumilla South District unit at the Town Hall field in Cumilla.
“If we do not all unite now, if the democratic forces fail to unite, if we cannot unite the people of this country, then just as autocracy gripped the nation after independence, and just as after the 1/11 events and the so-called 2008 election, a fascist autocracy mounted the shoulders of the country, the same could happen again.”
Tarique called upon the BNP leaders and activists across the country to put aside all divisions and work shoulder to shoulder.
“We have no alternative but to unite. This must be our pledge and our oath.”
The party’s task ahead is to rebuild and reconstruct the nation with united efforts.
He compared the nation to a house, saying that just as many workers together can build a beautiful home, rebuilding the country also requires collective effort.
“But to destroy a house, it doesn’t take many. This country is yours, mine and all of ours. It must be rebuilt. And as political workers, our first duty is to go to the people, because they are the true strength behind nation-building.”
Tarique instructed the BNP leaders and activists to form small groups of two or three and go door to door, reaching people directly.
“We must tell them how the BNP will rebuild the country if supported by the people — how we will reform the education system for their children, improve communications, empower women, stand beside farmers and build better education and healthcare systems.”
Tarique emphasised that the BNP’s message must reach every section of society — young and old, men and women, in every household.
Speaking at the programme, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said the people of Bangladesh are ready for the election though some parties are trying to derail it on various pretexts.
A vested quarter is carrying out negative campaigns against the BNP by spreading disinformation and misinformation on social media to malign the party, he said.
Subsequently, he urged the BNP leaders and activists and its associate bodies across the country to be active on social media and counter the propaganda against the party.
He went on to criticise those talking about a single ballot box for Islam and urged all to remain alert about attempts to divide the people by playing the religion card.
He also called upon the BNP leaders and activists to remain cautious so that no one can obstruct the restoration of democracy by hatching different plots.