Tarique warns against rehabilitating ‘fleeing autocrats’

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has urged the interim government not to take any step that would facilitate the rehabilitation of "fleeing autocrats" in the country.

"I would like to draw the attention of the interim government and reiterate that no steps should be taken to allow the fugitive autocrats and their cohorts to be rehabilitated in the state and politics," he said today (21 March) while addressing an iftar party virtually, reports UNB.

The BNP hosted the iftar party at the Ladies Club in the city's Eskaton area in honour of various professionals.

Tarique also stressed the importance of maintaining national unity against fascism for the greater good of the nation.

He said holding local body elections before the national election would create an opportunity for the rehabilitation of fugitive autocrats and their associates, who are still lurking in the country.

He pointed out that "around three crore young voters were denied the right to vote during the one-and-a-half decades of Sheikh Hasina's mafia rule".

"To ensure the political empowerment of these voters, the national election must be held first in the country," Tarique said, adding that no reforms would be sustainable without the political empowerment of the country's people.

Addressing the iftar event, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stressed the urgency of holding elections without delay to address the current crises and challenges in the country.

"A swift election is essential. Necessary reforms should be implemented to facilitate this election," he said.

The BNP leader also said, "Problems cannot be solved by relying on illusions or utopian thoughts, nor can they be resolved through emotions. We must think realistically, plan for the future, and work towards change to establish a new and democratic Bangladesh."

About reforms, Fakhrul said, "We are reviewing their [reform commissions] proposals and presenting our viewpoints. However, we must remember to consider the political heritage, religious values, culture, and traditions of the people of Bangladesh while choosing the path of reform and progress."

At another event in the capital's Uttar Khan area, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi questioned why the Awami League should not be allowed to do politics under the leadership of those who have a clean image, reports UNB.

"There is a lot of discussion about whether the Awami League will be able to do politics, but there is no talk about whether those responsible for the genocide will be brought to justice," he said while distributing Eid gifts to the poor.

Rizvi said if the criminals within the Awami League are prosecuted, and the people then decide to give the party a chance to engage in politics, no one should oppose it.

"If individuals who come to lead the Awami League have no involvement in crimes, the killing of students, looting, or laundering public money, then why can't such an Awami League engage in politics?" he asked.

In a democratic country, he said everyone's right to engage in politics should be determined through democratic methods and practices.

Rizvi said those who were involved in fascism, as well as those who collaborated with it and took advantage of it, must face justice so that fascism will never rise again.