Tarique Rahman's speech inspiring, hopeful but needs clarity: DU Prof Sabbir
“He brought economic issues into his speech and mentioned that he has a plan. However, it was important to clearly explain what that plan is and how it would be implemented. The nation needed more clarity,” he says.
Dhaka University's Political Science Department Professor Sabbir Ahmed has described BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman's brief speech as "inspiring and hopeful," while also pointing out areas where greater clarity and political messaging were needed.
Speaking to The Business Standard today (25 December), the professor said, "Tarique Rahman touched on several important issues in his 7–8 minute speech, including the economy, future planning and the post–5 August situation."
"He brought economic issues into his speech and mentioned that he has a plan. However, it was important to clearly explain what that plan is and how it would be implemented. The nation needed more clarity," he added.
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Sabbir noted that Tarique also referred to anti-hegemony politics, the killing of Osman Hadi, and the martyrs of 2024. "Overall, I would give the speech a score of around 70. I can't go up to 80."
The political analyst said the speech could have started more strongly by acknowledging past mistakes. "If I were in his place, I would have begun by saying that we do not want to return to the mistakes of the past – whether from 2001–06 or earlier – and that we want a fresh start."
While praising Tarique Rahman for recognising the historical continuity starting from 1971, the professor questioned the jump from 1971 directly to the 1978 "Sipahi Biplob".
"Addressing 1975 was important. Even from a political or electoral perspective, skipping 1975 and moving straight to 1978 felt incomplete," he said, adding that mentioning Sheikh Mujibur Rahman could have strengthened the speech politically.
He also said Tarique's emphasis on peace, order and staying away from chaos reflected the kind of tone expected from a national leader. "This is the type of speech we expect from someone speaking in the national interest."
Prof Sabbir further said, "However, Tarique could have remembered BNP leaders and activists who were injured or killed over the years. He acknowledged all sections of society, which is positive, but mentioning farmers and labourers would have made it more inclusive."
Earlier today, Tarique Rahman attended a reception rally on the 300 Feet Road in Purbachal after returning to Bangladesh following more than 17 years in exile.
