All pro-democracy political parties must stay united: Tarique

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today (21 December) called upon all political parties that believe in democracy, including the BNP, to remain united in the interest of safeguarding the country's democratic future.

"The coming days will not be easy for us. The country's economic condition has collapsed, and different forms of anarchy have already begun or are being instigated in various parts of the country," he said, urging all to remain vigilant.

Tarique was virtually addressing a programme organised in Bogura to inaugurate a digital memorial in remembrance of the martyrs of the July movement at Shaheed Titu Auditorium in the city, with Bogura district BNP President Rezaul Karim Badsha in the chair.

Calling upon all to work hard from their respective positions to rebuild the country, the BNP Acting Chairman said millions of people are becoming unemployed and sustainable employment opportunities must be created.

"The farmers are in distress. They are not getting fair prices for their produces. Syndicates in the market system must be eliminated so that people can easily purchase daily necessities at fair prices," he said, adding that ensuring these issues would require collective efforts.

Tarique Rahman said that after 1975, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman rescued the country from the brink of destruction, while BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia later led the country out of autocratic rule and towards development.

"Once again, the soldiers of these two leaders have been given the opportunity to rebuild the country from the brink of destruction," he said.

Referring to Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, Tarique said the July martyr stood firmly in favour of democracy and believed in electoral politics.

"If we truly wish to honour Shaheed Osman Hadi, the July martyrs and the freedom fighters of 1971, we must work together to establish peace and take the country forward," he added.