Start preparing to ensure election is held within December: Tarique issues instructions at youth rally
Brothers and sisters of the new generation, dear countrymen, start taking preparations to ensure that the national election is held by December, he says
Highlights
- Urges the youth to prepare to ensure the national election is held by Dec
- Accuses the government of using delay tactics and so-called reforms to derail democracy
- Election trapped between the ideas of "minimum-maximum reform"
- Reminds that past caretaker governments held elections within 3 months
- Salahuddin clarifies that BNP demanded a polls roadmap, not Yunus's resignation
- Abbas claims the "Rakhine Corridor" and Starlink projects are being arranged for the Myanmar army
BNP acting chairperson Tarique Rahman today (28 May) instructed the young population to prepare to ensure that the next national election is held by December this year, alleging that the interim government's delay tactics regarding the election and its push for so-called reforms are part of a broader plan to derail democratic processes.
Speaking at a packed rally virtually, jointly organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal in the capital's Nayapaltan area in front of BNP's central office, he alleged that efforts are underway to delay the upcoming national election, suggesting that certain individuals both within and outside the interim government may have a hidden agenda linked to the reform process.
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"It seems that dilly-dally over holding the next national election has already started or is underway. The future of the election has got trapped in a cycle of innovative conditions of so-called minimum reform and maximum reforms," he said.
Tarique further said in the past, at various times in Bangladesh, a caretaker government has held impartial elections and every time, we have seen that the caretaker government successfully held national elections within three months.
"So, there are records that it is possible to hold elections within three months. But now, we see that even after 10 months, the interim government is not announcing a specific date for the election."
He also said in a fascism-free Bangladesh, the nation aspires to have a government chosen through the direct votes of the people — one that is accountable to them and committed to serving their interests without delay.
"This is [my] call to the interim government — the next national election must be held by December. We repeat again, the election will take place within December. Brothers and sisters of the new generation, dear countrymen, start taking preparations to ensure that the national election is held by December," he added.
Speaking at the event, the party's Standing Committee member Salauddin Ahmed said BNP wanted an election roadmap from the interim government and did not demand Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus' resignation.
"Yet he staged a resignation. We wanted elections by December. We are calling on everyone to unite in demanding a neutral government, democracy and elections. Let all of us aim for Bangladesh first and foremost under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. The future Bangladesh will be a new Bangladesh."
He also said if demanding democratic rights was a crime, then the BNP would be committing it again and again.
Addressing the youth, he said, "We want to build a state where youth will participate. We are working to build a new Bangladesh after the 5 August mass uprising. There is a very clever attempt to create a rift in unity."
The BNP leader said the AL had looted more wealth than the East India Company did in 200 years during British rule.
"Our only enemies are the Awami League and Sheikh Hasina. The AL has never believed in democracy. They are democracy killers."
He also rubbished allegations that those who fought for democracy under the leadership of Tarique Rahman had been agents of foreign countries.
"In fact, those who consider us an obstacle say this."
'Democracy is defined by adherence, not just articulation'
After the rally, Tarique Rahman in a Facboom post wrote, "I often make a point that bears repeating: reforming individual mindsets is far more important than reforming texts or institutions on paper. After all, the constitution of North Korea proclaims the country to be the 'Democratic People's Republic of Korea'. The words may be there, but it is adherence, not articulation, that defines democratic integrity."
He stated, "For any interim government, neutrality and credibility are its greatest assets. These must not be squandered. Nothing should be done that erodes public trust or alienates citizens. We urge the interim administration not to view democracy loving citizens or political parties as adversaries. If anyone currently in power wishes to remain in governance, they must resign and seek a mandate through the people's vote."
"In the last fifteen years, Bangladesh's voter registry has expanded by more than 35 million new voters. Yet, these citizens have not had the opportunity to participate in a national election to choose their representatives. For them, democracy remains a promise unfulfilled."
Tarique further wrote, "To the deposed, disgraced, and fugitive autocrats of our past, neither rights nor elections held much meaning. That is why reform, while necessary, is insufficient on its own. The interim government must now demonstrate visible, concrete preparations for a national election.
Historically, caretaker governments in Bangladesh have shown that national elections can be organised and executed within three months. The precedent is clear: it can be done."
The added that and yet, ten months into its tenure, the interim administration has still not announced an election date. The people of Bangladesh deserve better. We seek a nation free from authoritarianism, led by a government elected through a fair vote, and accountable to its citizens.
"The call to the interim government is simple: ensure that national elections are held by December."
'Rakhine corridor, Starlink being arranged for Myanmar army': Abbas
Speaking at the rally, BNP Standing Committee member, Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed said, "In the past nine months, the government has given us nothing but disregard. The BNP has received nothing except neglect in these nine months."
Mirza Abbas further said, "I want to say one thing—most [officials] of this government are not even citizens of this country. They are talking about doing many things today. I want to tell them, you don't need to do all this. We don't need to know what benefits or disadvantages exist in the corridor. I have said before that the government should clarify what is happening in Saint Martin's and Sajek."
He continued, "Today, the government is talking about corridors and Starlink. We don't need these things. Have we not survived without Starlink all this time? Why do we need it now? Because this corridor is being arranged for Myanmar's army, and that is the only reason for Starlink—nothing else."
He further said, in these nine months, this government has done nothing. Whenever we talk about elections, they talk about reforms and justice. The reforms that they couldn't accomplish in nine months, they won't be able to do in the next nine years, or even ninety years. In these nine months, the government has decayed from head to toe."
'Govt won't be able to escape movement of outraged youth if power not transferred thru election"
Abdul Moyeen Khan, another member of BNP's Standing Committee, said, "Our first victory came in July and August. But our movement has not stopped. We are in the second phase of victory."
He further said, "Bangladesh must transition to democracy. A specific roadmap for immediate elections must be provided. The people want democracy. We have cooperated with the government for this purpose. Cooperation will continue. But power must be transferred to representatives elected by the people's vote through elections. Otherwise, the interim government will not be able to escape the movement of the outraged youth."
'No justification exists for delaying election roadmap in name of reform or justice'
At the rally, Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said there will be no compromise on elections. "No justification exists for delaying the election roadmap in the name of reform or justice."
Khosru highlighted the party's earlier push for reform, saying, "BNP introduced a 27-point reform agenda two years ago. The people of Bangladesh will decide on reforms — not an 'all-party' commission or any externally imposed structure."
About the calls for accountability for the Awami League, Khasru said, "The fall of Sheikh Hasina's government will be largely credited to the uncompromising struggle of Begum Khaleda Zia, who risked her life, and the relentless efforts of Tarique Rahman."
"No party has endured or suffered as much as BNP. If justice is to be served, BNP will deliver it," he added.
Tarique Rahman addressed the rally virtually, focusing on plans to partner with global e-commerce brands, including Amazon, Alibaba, and introducing cross-border payment systems, including Paypal.
The event began around 3:30pm with a recitation from the Holy Quran, bringing together participants from the Dhaka, Faridpur, Sylhet, and Mymensingh divisions who had gathered for the rally.
As the day progressed, people started to gather in the Nayapaltan area. Many were seen holding the party flags, banners, and festoons. Some activists were seen dancing and singing, filling the rally grounds with slogans.
On the ground, the presence of BNP activists turned into a sea of people on the roads from Mouchak to Shantinagar, Kakrail, Nayapaltan; from Matsya Bhaban via Kakrail Mosque to Nayapaltan; from Paltan via the front of the Scout Bhaban to Nayapaltan; and from Shahjahanpur Bus Stand via Fakirapul intersection to Nayapaltan.
The event will be presided over by Juba Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna. Other speakers will include Swechasebak Dal President SM Jilani, Juba Dal General Secretary Mohammad Nurul Islam Nayan, and Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib.
SM Jilani yesterday (27 May) said the organisers expect over 1.5 million participants to attend the rally of BNP affiliates.
The organisers say that the rights of young people are currently the most neglected in the political arena. From the right to vote in elections to freedom of expression, young people face various obstacles. This rally is an outpouring of that frustration.
Abu Afsan Mohammad Yahiya, senior vice president of the Chhatra Dal, said that young people can no longer be a part of politics today.
"They cannot vote, nor can they speak their minds. This rally is an answer to our long-standing deprivation. It is a day to turn a silent protest into a vocal one," he added.
Abdul Gaffar, a Chhatra Dal activist from Jahangirnagar University, said, "There are 3.5 crore voters aged 18-33 in the country. During the past fascist regime, they could not exercise their right to vote."
"Today, the youth have gathered at this rally with the aim of realising their right to vote. Stability will not come to the country unless an elected government comes to power," he added.
"We hope that the interim government will quickly hold elections and hand over power to the elected representatives of the people," said the Chhatra Dal activist.
The three BNP-affiliated organisations have been holding rallies and seminars across the country throughout May, as per the month-long campaign schedule.
Earlier, similar events were organised in Chattogram, Khulna, and Bogura.
The Dhaka rally marks the concluding event of the eight-day programme, held across four major divisions, dedicating two days to each region.
