Tarique Rahman's return to strengthen multi-party democracy: NCP's Nahid
“Our main challenge now is to build a culture of coexistence and healthy competition in the new political reality. We welcome Mr Tarique Rahman back to the country. May his participation be fruitful in shaping Bangladesh’s democratic future," he says
The National Citizen Party (NCP) believe that the return of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will further consolidate the practice of multi-party democracy in Bangladesh, party's Convener Nahid Islam said today (25 December).
In a Facebook post, he wrote, "Our main challenge now is to build a culture of coexistence and healthy competition in the new political reality. We welcome Mr Tarique Rahman back to the country. May his participation be fruitful in shaping Bangladesh's democratic future."
Referring to Tarique Rahman's return after 17 years, Nahid said, "The restoration of a Bangladeshi citizen and political leader's right to return to his homeland is a positive reflection of the country's democratic struggle."
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The NCP chief noted that Tarique Rahman and his family were subjected to state repression due to political differences and were forced into prolonged exile.
According to Nahid, the mass uprising – achieved through the sacrifices of thousands of martyrs – created the context in which Tarique Rahman and his family were able to return home.
He further said, "The NCP envisions a Bangladesh rooted in democratic values, where no political leader in the future will face state oppression because of dissenting views."
Breaking away from what he described as a stifled political environment of the past one and a half decades, Nahid said the goal now is to ensure the rule of law and political rights for every citizen as the country moves forward on the path of a "free Bangladesh."
'Tarique's return helped remove doubts surrounding election'
The NCP has described the return of Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh as a positive development for the country's politics.
Speaking to BBC Bangla, party's Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain said there had been widespread uncertainty over whether the election would take place, even after the announcement of an election schedule.
"In such a context, Tarique Rahman's return to the country has helped remove doubts surrounding the election," he added.
Meanwhile, Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adeeb said, "Public attention will now be focused on what role Tarique Rahman plays in national politics beyond partisan boundaries.
"Tarique Rahman led his party while in exile. But how he engages in national politics will be a significant issue," Adib told BBC Bangla.
