Differences of opinion shouldn't turn into conflicts: Tarique Rahman
"We are facing tough challenges. The democratic process must be kept alive at all costs. We had problems, we have problems, but we do not want to go back to the time before 5 August 2024, " he says
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today (10 January) said differences of opinion should not escalate to the level of conflicts.
He said, "We must ensure that differences of opinion do not turn into divisions. Even if there are disagreements, they should be resolved through dialogue. We do not want to return to the situation that existed before 5 August 2024."
Tarique Rahman made the remarks during an exchange of views with editors and journalists from national-level media outlets of the country at the Grand Ballroom of Hotel Sheraton in Banani in the city.
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He said, "We are facing tough challenges. The democratic process must be kept alive at all costs. We had problems, we have problems, but we do not want to go back to the time before 5 August 2024. Therefore, putting aside differences, everyone must work together."
Mentioning that he has travelled to various places since returning to the country, he said he felt that the new generation is looking for direction and hope. "Not only have the new generation, but every generation expected guidance. People have many expectations from those involved in politics. Even if it's not possible to fulfil all expectations, if politicians work to protect the country's independence and sovereignty, it will be possible to lead the nation on the right path," he said.
Responding to a question from a female journalist about women's safety, Tarique Rahman said safety is needed not just for women, but for everyone. He said, "Last year, about seven thousand people died in road accidents, which is abnormal. The numbers vary from year to year. Politicians should think deeply about why such incidents are happening."
"I am a worker of a political party. From 22 January, we will go to the people with all our electoral campaigns. If the BNP comes to state power through public vote in the future, we will solve all the people's problems, taking everyone's criticism into account," he added.
The BNP Chairman mentioned that if the country cannot progress through employment generation, all achievements will be destroyed. If BNP wins, he outlined various plans to improve the living standards of citizens, including women, farmers, expatriates, and the youth.
Earlier, the event began at 11:20am with recitation from the Holy Quran by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Before that, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman exchanged greetings and pleasantries with the attending journalists.
Later, in his welcome address, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, "Today, in a difficult time, our leader Tarique Rahman has returned home from abroad. The dream of building this country that he showed us from afar has made the entire nation much more hopeful today. Their expectation is that, after many years, under Tarique Rahman's leadership, we will be able to build Bangladesh as a liberal democratic state."
BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas, Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, and other senior leaders of the party were present at the event.
Editors from national newspapers, radio, television, news agencies, and online media were present.
