Refrain from wrongdoing, Tarique tells BNP followers

Highlights

• Tarique Rahman urges BNP leaders to avoid misconduct and stop intruders
• Stressed the need for free, fair elections reflecting public will
• Called for party unity and alignment with public desires

BNP acting chairperson Tarique Rahman has urged the party leaders and activists to refrain from wrongdoing and sheltering intruders, reminding them that people may once again show their strength as they did on 5 August if they make mistakes.

Speaking virtually at a discussion on Sunday (19 January), he also said the accountability of the government must be ensured through timely elections at every level, from parliament to union parishads, in order to alleviate public suffering and reflect the people's will and desire in governance.

"I humbly request all the soldiers of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia all over Bangladesh with folded hands, please do not allow intruders to crowd around you…please do not get misguided and refrain from misleading activities," the BNP leader said.

BNP organised the discussion at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking the 89th birth anniversary of its founder and former President Ziaur Rahman.

Tarique said over 60 lakh people were repressed, with many others killed, including around 500 during the July mass uprising, under the fascist rule of Sheikh Hasina. "Had we endured the repression and persecution to facilitate the intruders and wrongdoers?" he questioned.

He also said many people believe BNP has the highest potential to form the government if a free and fair election is held in the country.

Tarique questioned the party leaders and workers if a situation emerges due to wrongdoings by intruders or misguided BNP followers, where someone else forms the government, whether they would be able to stay well. "We don't know who or what may come (to power)…but it won't be good for all of us."

He also said if anyone else forms the government for any reason, every political activist belonging to BNP should have the minimum sense to recognise that it would not be good for the country and the nation, both from a local and international perspective. "So, we still have time on our hands to stand by the people and behave according to their desires."

At the end of the day, as a political party or activist, Tarique said BNP leaders have to go to the voters. "If any of us indulge in wrongdoing before that day (voting day), you will have to answer to the people when you go to them for their votes."

The BNP leader reminded his party colleagues of a very clear and recent example of how, when people get angry, they can force autocrats to flee the country.

Reforms, election process can take place simultaneously, says Fakhrul after paying tribute to Zia

"That example, just a few days ago, still shines before our eyes… If we ultimately need public support, why shouldn't we try to earn it through good actions? Why should you turn a blind eye to unfairness? If the people turn away their faces, we will have no place to go, no matter what we think of ourselves," he warned.

Without mentioning names, Tarique said some political forces are trying to raise their voices against BNP due to the wrongdoings of intruders and some misguided party activists. "So, I am saying it again and again that we must be alert and careful."

He reiterated that the next election will not be as easy as BNP leaders and activists might think, with complacency over their party's strength.

"We have our party's organisation even at the village level. But people matter and people are our strength and support. "People showed on August 5 what happens if they are not with you. So, if we make any mistake, the people will show something again, and then you will have to face the consequences," the BNP leader said.

He called upon the BNP leaders and workers to stand by the people and work according to their desires. "Those who engage in any work that can affect us and our party; we will put up a resistance and register our protest against them."

The BNP leader called upon the party rank and file to remain united and stand against unfairness and resist it. "We must stand with the people in such a way that they understand we are with them, according to their desires. This should be our oath on this day, the 89th birth anniversary of Ziaur Rahman."

In his speech, Tarique said BNP Standing Committee member Maj Hafizuddin Ahmed mentioned that he was astonished to see some people (intruders) in front of him when he visited his area two days ago.

"Many such people have gradually started crowding around the BNP after August 5. Many of our leaders and workers were subjected to immense repression and have died in handcuffs over the last 16-17 years. If you haven't forgotten these scenes, why should we allow such people to crowd around us?" he questioned.

The BNP leader said all conscious citizens of the country are in favour of restoring their voting rights, as they have long been deprived of them.

Citing an example of Britain's democratic practice over the last 400 years, the BNP leader said all state systems there are in favour of people, as they have kept their voting rights intact by any means.

"That's why accountability to people in every sphere of the state and government has developed there. That's why people are safe there. People don't fear the government there. Rather, the government fears people. So, the government is always alert to keep people well," he observed.

He said there are many political parties in Bangladesh with different thoughts and ideologies. "But we all need to agree on one thing that elections must be held at every level of the state within a specific timeframe stipulated by the constitution and the rule of law. Be it the parliament, municipality, or union parishads, elections must be held."

"Only voting rights can ensure accountability. If we can ensure accountability in every area of the state and society, then we'll gradually be able to move forward," Tarique said.

He said the government must remain accountable to the people for all its actions. "Only then, it will be possible to gradually ease the people's sorrow and suffering and ensure that the people's will and desire are reflected in the government's activities."

He asked the party leaders and workers to make efforts with a strong resolve so that the people love and honour them, even after their death, just as they do for Ziaur Rahman.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said their party leaders and workers will remain on the right track if they follow the ideals of Ziaur Rahman, who was an honest and visionary leader.

Mentioning that the country's economic condition is not good, he called upon the interim government to focus on fixing the economy and establishing good governance and arranging the next election as early as possible.

BNP standing committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Begum Selima Rahman and Hafizuddin Ahmed, among others, spoke at the programme.