Students must play a conscious role in resisting rise of fascism, extremism: Tarique
The people of Bangladesh no longer want politics rooted in vengeance, he says
BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has called on students to remain vigilant and play an active, conscious role in resisting the rise of extremism and fascism in the country.
"The people of Bangladesh, 54 years after independence, no longer want politics rooted in vengeance. we must build the Bangladesh that everyone desires," he said while speaking virtually at Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal's rally in Shahbagh today (3 August).
He called upon new voters to cast their first ballot for the BNP, using the slogan, "Tarunner Prothom vote, Dhaner Shisher Jonno Hok (Give your first vote to the 'sheaf of paddy')."
He tasked party leaders and activists with spreading this message nationwide.
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Tarique then addressed the leaders and activists of Chhatra Dal, stating, "Free Bangladesh from fascism, you will establish your rights."
He assured them that "the pro-democracy people of Bangladesh are with you and will continue to support their cause."
The BNP leader acknowledged the sacrifices of thousands of Chhatra Dal members who, over the past 15 years, have faced violence, false cases, torture, and forced disappearances in their anti-fascist movement.
Despite this brutality, he declared that "the fascist Hasina could not suppress the Chhatra Dal."
Tarique Rahman urged Chhatra Dal leaders and activists to focus their political efforts on improving people's lives and livelihoods.
He emphasised the need for self-improvement and announced plans to introduce education in at least two languages, in addition to Bengali and English, in the country's educational institutions.
The BNP leader highlighted the upcoming elections as a significant opportunity for the people to reclaim their lost voting rights.
Fakhrul calls for unity warns against efforts to create division among people
Speaking at the rally, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called for unity, warning against efforts to create division among people.
"They [fascist forces] are trying hard to divide us. They are trying to destabilise Bangladesh. But we will never allow fascist Sheikh Hasina to continue doing politics in this country," he said.
"Young people from across the country have gathered here today. It's a day of great joy, but also of deep sorrow," he said at Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal's rally in Dhaka, recalling that on this day last year, the Awami League was "killing people across the country."
BNP Joint Secretary General Habib Un Nabi Khan Sohel accused India of not only giving refuge to Sheikh Hasina, whom he labeled a "murderer," but also of conspiring to destabilise Bangladesh.
Referring to the Awami League, he declared, "Those who killed our brothers and sisters must be brought to justice on the soil of Bengal."
Echoing the demand, BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie said they repeatedly urged the interim government to initiate Hasina's trial.
JCD president demands trial for killings, enforces disappearances under Hasina regime
In his speech, JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib expressed his gratitude to Tarique Rahman for guiding them in taking part in the July movement.
He also paid tribute to the students and citizens who were martyred during the uprising.
Rakib called on the interim government to identify and initiate the trial process for those responsible for the killings, enforced disappearances, and torture of Chhatra Dal leaders under the "fascist" Hasina regime.
He emphasised that all individuals involved in these crimes must be brought to justice.
"If Hasina is not tried, the people of this country will not forgive us," he warned, stressing that the trial must begin without delay.
He also called for unity among all forces aligned with the goals of the July movement.
JCD announces 9-point pledges
At the rally, JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib announced the organisation's 9-point pledges to uphold the aspirations of the July Mass Uprising.
The pledges are ending repression on campus, ensuring student welfare, promoting equality and women's empowerment, advancing a national education policy, fighting unemployment and corruption in exams, creating a drug-free society, preserving cultural identity, restoring student democracy and defending democracy and rights.
Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of the BNP, commenced a large-scale rally at Shahbagh as thousands of leaders and activisits gathered for the event.
The event, part of a month-long nationwide programme, commemorates the anniversary of the July–August 2024 mass uprising that led to the ousting of the Awami League government after 16 years in power.
BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman joined the rally virtually from London as the chief guest. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was present as a special guest, while the party's Student Affairs Secretary Rakibul Islam Bakul delivered the keynote speech. The rally was presided over by Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib and moderated by General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir.
Although the rally was scheduled to begin at 2:30pm, it officially commenced at 3:16pm with a recitation from the Quran, followed by the national anthem. Chhatra Dal had previously instructed its activists from across the country to gather in the capital for the event.
From early morning, members from different units began arriving at Shahbagh. A stage was erected at the Shahbagh intersection, and crowds spread along the roads leading to TSC, Matsya Bhaban, and Katabon, causing a complete halt in traffic in the area.
To reduce public inconvenience and maintain discipline, Chhatra Dal issued several internal guidelines, including instructions on conduct, traffic cooperation, and cleanliness.
