Country must not return to pre-5 August situation: Tarique Rahman

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today (10 January) said his party would lead the nation in the right direction if it comes to power, stressing that the country must not return to the situation that existed before 5 August.

While exchanging greetings with editors and journalists at a city hotel, he also said the democratic process and accountability at all levels must be ensured to bring positive change in the country.

"We had problems before, and we still have problems. But clearly, we do not want to go back to the situation before 5 August," the BNP chairman said.

Referring to painful moments from his personal life and the country's history, Tarique Rahman said he recalls the janaza of his father in 1981, the janaza of his mother on 31 December 2025, and the incidents of 5 August 2024.

"So I feel this is not only about me. For the leaders and activists of my party, and for the people of the country as a whole, these examples are perhaps the clearest reasons why there is absolutely no need for us to go back to the situation before 5 August," he said.

The BNP leader said violence, revenge and counter-revenge always lead to dangerous consequences. "We have seen on 5 August what violence, revenge and vindictiveness can result in – whether by an individual or by a political party," he said.

Tarique Rahman urged people of all political views to resolve their differences through dialogue, saying that differences of opinion should never turn into division.

"Differences will exist, but if we try, many problems can be solved through discussion. These differences must not turn into deep divisions," he said, adding that division of the nation only leads to suffering and frustration.

He said despite widespread disappointment among people, there is still hope, as many are thinking about the future and making plans.

The BNP chairman said politicians must work for the country's independence and sovereignty by learning from key moments in history, including 1971, 1990 and 5 August 2024. "If we keep these events in mind and work honestly for the country, I firmly believe we can lead the nation in the right direction."

"We must continue the democratic process and ensure accountability at all levels at any cost. If we can do this, we will be able to bring the desired change," Tarique said.

The BNP organised the programme at a city hotel to allow its chairman to exchange greetings with journalists.

Earlier, Tarique Rahman arrived at the venue at around 10:52am and exchanged pleasantries with editors and journalists by moving from table to table.