Tarique calls for collective efforts to rebuild Bangladesh
"Let us all, from whatever position we are in, try to rebuild our country anew," he said
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman urged the country's people to actively contribute to rebuilding the nation by taking initiatives from their respective positions.
"Let us all, from whatever position we are in, try to rebuild our country anew. Let each of us make our best effort for the country, within our own capacity," Tarique made the call while addressing thousands of party leaders, activists and supporters from the second-floor balcony of the BNP central office at Nayapaltan this afternoon (29 December), shortly after arriving there, marking his first visit after 19 years.
He also said that if anyone sees a piece of paper or any litter lying on the road, they should remove it. "By doing such small acts, let us come together to build our country step by step."
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Greeting the gathering, Tarique also requested party leaders and activists to clear the road quickly so that ordinary people can move freely.
"I request everyone to leave the road as soon as possible. There is no programme here today, and keeping the road blocked will cause inconvenience to the public. Since there is no programme, we should leave this place as soon as possible. Inshallah, when we hold a programme, I will speak in front of you all," he said.
Tarique also urged all to pray for him and for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. "Please pray for our leader Khaleda Zia. Stay well," he said.
Tarique arrived at the BNP central office at around 4:05pm. Security personnel had to struggle to bring his vehicle to the office gate amid a huge crowd of party leaders and activists.
After greeting the crowd, he went to his newly prepared chamber on the second floor of the building. This is the first time in 19 years that he has resumed office activities at Nayapaltan. The last time he visited the party office was in 2006.
Ahead of the visit, security was tightened in and around the Nayapaltan office. The main gate of the office was closed from 12:35pm today, while only some senior BNP leaders were allowed to enter the office.
Earlier yesterday, he visited the BNP Chairperson's Gulshan office and stayed there for nearly nine hours.
Tarique returned home from London on 25 December after nearly 17 years. He went to London with his family on 11 September, 2008, for advanced medical treatment and later settled there.
