'Learning from past mistakes, building on achievements': Tarique seeks public support in BTV address
He said the people were the ultimate source of the BNP’s political power and that his commitment to accountability stemmed from that belief
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has acknowledged past shortcomings and expressed his regret to the nation for any unintentional mistakes made while the party was previously in power.
"In the past, with your support, the BNP had governed the country several times. While running the state during those periods, there might have been some unintentional mistakes and shortcomings on our part in certain areas. For that, I sincerely express my regret to the people of the country," he said while addressing the nation on Bangladesh Television (BTV) today (9 February).
He added that the party had learned from past errors and, building on its achievements, was seeking public support once again in the 12 February national election to build a safer Bangladesh for the present and future generations.
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Emphasising public trust, he said the people were the ultimate source of the BNP's political power and that his commitment to accountability stemmed from that belief.
The BNP chief also said there was no alternative to strict anti-corruption measures, restoration of the rule of law, and ensuring that the state and government remain accountable to the people in order to implement the party's plans.
"If you support us in governing the state, the government of the coming days will be accountable to the people and the rule of law will be re-established. This is my commitment to the people. This is the BNP's commitment."
Tarique Rahman urged voters to take responsibility for the party's sheaf of paddy candidates on 12 February, saying that from the following day, elected members of parliament would be responsible for the people.
"I will take responsibility for ensuring elected representatives are fulfilling their responsibilities properly," he said.
Tarique said if the BNP received public support in the 12 February election, the party's guiding principle in running the state would be the ideals and justice of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Describing the current political atmosphere of the country as a historic turning point, he said Bangladesh reached a critical juncture of democratic transition.
He said a "defeated and ousted clique" had previously seized state ownership from the people and stripped them of their democratic rights, which, according to him, had been restored only after long struggles and at the cost of many lives.
He said thousands had been subjected to enforced disappearances, killings, and abductions during the prolonged anti-fascist movement, adding that more than 1,400 people were killed and at least 3,000 injured in the student-led mass uprising in 2024.
Honouring those who had sacrificed their lives since the 1971 Liberation War, Tarique said their sacrifices would not go in vain and pledged to work towards establishing a just, humane, safe, and democratic Bangladesh.
Highlighting the country's demographics, he said Bangladesh is home to nearly 200 million people, more than half of whom are women, alongside a large youth population, children, people with disabilities, workers, and farmers. Failure to fulfil the aspirations of these groups, he said, would weaken the state itself.
He stressed that democracy, decentralisation, and development would not be sustainable without ensuring people's political and economic empowerment.
According to him, restoring citizens' voting rights – from local government representatives to members of parliament – is a prerequisite for political empowerment, calling the 12 February election a major opportunity to reclaim lost rights.
During the address, he also outlined key aspects of the BNP's election manifesto, saying he had long prepared with party leaders and activists to implement the party's political, social, and economic programmes, continuing the legacy of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
He added there was no alternative to strict enforcement of the rule of law, strong anti-corruption measures, and ensuring government accountability to the people. If elected, he pledged, the BNP-led government would remain accountable to citizens and restore the rule of law.
