Tarique warns of threats to democracy, vows to uphold country's secular character

Issuing a warning that extremists and fascists could once again bury democracy in Bangladesh, BNP acting chairperson Tarique Rahman today (19 March) said his party, along with other democratic parties, will prioritise maintaining the country's secular character and strengthening democracy in their future political agenda.

"We would like to draw the attention of the interim government that if it fails to control the evil activities of religious extremists and their radicalism, extremist groups and defeated fascist forces will once again bury democracy in the country," he told at an iftar party virtually.

The BNP leader also warned that Bangladesh could face a crisis in its image within the democratic world if this happens.

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

"To maintain the country's secular character, the programme to strengthen Bangladesh's democratic system will be the future political settlement of the democratic forces by bringing the fleeing mafia clique, responsible for massacres, to trial at any cost, alongside resisting the evil forces of extremism and religious fundamentalism," he said.

The BNP leader said that there are plots underway to harm the national unity forged during the mass uprising on the streets, soaked with the blood of several thousand martyrs.

He called upon all leaders and activists at every level of democratic political parties to stay united and uphold national unity. "If we, the pro-independence and democratic forces, remain united, no plot will succeed."

Tarique also urged the government to provide the public with a clear understanding of its action plan in order to maintain confidence among people. "If the outline of the interim government's activities or action plan were made clearer and more specific to the people, all doubts and hesitations in their minds would be removed," he said.

The BNP leader said it is true that the Awami mafia government was not overthrown merely to arrange a national election.

"But it is even truer that the mafia regime collapsed brutally due to the failure to hold a fair election. So, there is no room to consider any election simply as a matter of whether a political party can come to power or not," he observed.

If the impartiality of the interim government is called into question and public trust in its activities is dented, he said the path to democracy could face serious obstacles.

The BNP leader noted that some advisers to the interim government, and even certain political parties, have recently spoken in a slightly different tone regarding the national election.

"We believe that if secondary issues are prioritised under the guise of a new political settlement, instead of honouring public expectations, it will send the wrong message to the people. Such a situation will ultimately pave the way for the resurgence of the cohorts of the mafia regime," he said.

Tarique expressed the public expectation that the interim government will give the highest priority to elections, paving the way for the formation of a 'democratic government'.

"The term of a government in a state is fixed, but the political policy or political management of the country is long-term. So, it is crucial to ensure the political and economic power of the people to keep the political process strong and sustainable. The people who have been powerless for a long decade and a half are now ready to exercise their right to vote and establish a government," he said.

The BNP leader said his party has set the goal of establishing an equitable, safe, democratic, and humane Bangladesh for both current and future generations. "This can be achieved through an elected national government."

He reiterated that if BNP is entrusted with the responsibility of governing the country in the upcoming national elections, the party will form a national government, consisting of representatives from pro-democratic political parties and elected public representatives.

Tarique expressed deep concern over the alarming increase in recent incidents of violence against women, children, and rape.

Noting that women make up half of the country's population, he said that without ensuring their safety, it is impossible to move the country forward.

"There is a need to deeply consider whether the security of our mothers, sisters, and daughters is in danger due to the government, administration, and law enforcement agencies being overly focused on creating new political settlements or any other task," the BNP leader said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said although the country has been freed from fascism, democracy is still elusive. "A democratic Bangladesh remains the main aspiration of the people."

Emphasising the need for unity, he said it is crucial to resolve issues relating to reforms through dialogue at this moment.

He assured that if BNP is elected by the people, the party will implement its 31-point programme.

"Various kinds of talks and discussions are now being circulated in the media and on social media, causing confusion among us. There is no alternative for us other than moving towards democracy," Fakhrul said.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam urged political parties to reach a political consensus so that there would be no room for "Mujibbadi" politics in the election and politics of future Bangladesh.

He said there are political parties to make the next election inclusive by representing the people of Bangladesh. "We believe that we bear the spirit of the struggle and the mass uprising that took place against Mujibbad (Mujibism)," he said.

Nahid hoped that a political unity would be there in the current political situation.

Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher said he on behalf of his party requested all to forge a national unity on four points -- the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh, a sustainable democracy, a fair election and a corruption-free Bangladesh.

"I think national unity will still be the most powerful tool in building the future of Bangladesh to create a beautiful and prosperous Bangladesh," he said.