BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has called for calm and cooperation to implement his plan for the nation, in his first speech on Bangladeshi soil in close to two decades.
“Standing on Bangladesh soil today, as a member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, I want to say before all of you that I have a plan for the people of my country, for my country,” he said while addressing party members and the nation at a reception in the capital yesterday.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel. Before making the remark, Tarique recalled the historic speech delivered 62 years ago by American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. On August 27, 1963, addressing a massive gathering at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, King spoke of his vision for a US free from racial discrimination and said, “I have a dream.”
Tarique said that he doesn’t have a dream but a plan. The plan is aimed at serving the people’s interests, driving development and changing the fortunes of ordinary people.
“If this plan and these actions are to be implemented, then I will need the cooperation of every person present in this sea of people, and of all those who represent the democratic forces across Bangladesh. If you stand by us and support us, God willing, we will be able to implement this plan.”
Beginning his address with the words, “Dear Bangladesh”, Tarique said just as the people of the country had achieved independence in 1971, citizens from all walks of life — including students — had protected Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty in 2024.
“Today, the people of Bangladesh want to regain their right to speak. They want their democratic rights restored. They want to receive their fair rights based on merit.”
The BNP leader also called for a country that embraces all citizens, from the hill tracts to the plains, regardless of religion or identity.
Tarique’s main goal is to create a Bangladesh where everyone can leave their home and return safely.
Emphasising law and order, he urged people to remain calm and reject violence or provocation, regardless of political affiliation or religious identity.
In his 15-minute speech, Tarique said they want peace in the country three times.
“Peace and security must be ensured for everyone, of every age, profession and faith,” he said.
He mentioned Sharif Osman bin Hadi, Inquilab Monch’s spokesman, who was gunned down about a fortnight ago.
Tarique said Hadi wanted democracy and economic rights, and to repay the “debt of blood” owed to those martyred, the nation must build the Bangladesh they envisioned.
Without naming specific nations, Tarique warned that “agents of hegemonistic powers are still plotting conspiracies”.
He urged the public, especially the youth, to remain “patient and vigilant”.
The responsibility lies with the younger generation to lead the country and build a beautiful nation on a democratic and economic foundation.
Urging calm in the face of “provocation”, he concluded with a prayer, asking for divine guidance and mercy to help build the Bangladesh people aspire to.
“Let us all take a pledge together that those who take charge of running the country in the coming days will try their best to govern in line with the righteousness of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).”
He also sought prayers for his mother Khaleda Zia before ending the event.
“As a son, my heart is lying beside my mother’s bed in that hospital room. But I cannot abandon the people who have given their lives for the people of this country. That is why I am standing here today to express my gratitude to you before going to the hospital.”
With slogans alongside party leaders and supporters: “Let us all pledge together — together, we will work, together, we will build our Bangladesh,” he added.
Earlier, in a welcome speech, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said: “Today is a day of joy for us. Under Tarique’s leadership, we hope to win the election on February 12 and establish democracy and the rule of law.”
After Fakhrul’s remarks, the convener of the reception committee and a member of the party’s standing committee, delivered brief speeches.
The other standing committee members present on the reception stage included Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Selima Rahman, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and AZM Zahid Hossain.
Leaders from different political parties, especially the partners of the party’s simultaneous movement, were also present.
Lakhs of leaders and supporters from across the country participated in the programme organised to welcome Tarique.
To ensure wide coverage of Tarique’s speech, the party installed around 1,000 microphones, enabling people gathered at various points in and around the venue to listen to his address.
In addition, around four dozen screens were set up across the area, allowing leaders and activists to follow the programme from different locations amid the massive crowd.
As Tarique’s vehicle reached in front of the stage, the entire venue echoed with slogans of “Tarique Zia” as leaders and activists chanted in unison, creating a charged and festive atmosphere.