Dhaka, August 6 (V7N) – BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday expressed support for the newly announced roadmap by the interim government for the next general election, calling it a potential path to restoring democracy in Bangladesh. He urged the public to back his party’s reform proposals aimed at reshaping governance and ensuring political stability.
Addressing a large rally virtually from London, Tarique Rahman said the BNP has already shared its political vision outlining how it plans to govern if given the responsibility. The event was held in front of the BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, marking the first anniversary of the July 2024 mass uprising.
“The interim government has proposed reforms after consultations with all democratic political forces. BNP welcomes this initiative and calls upon the people to stand with us in implementing these programmes for the nation’s welfare,” he said.
He praised the interim government’s announcement of an election timeline and what he termed the “July Charter” – a policy framework aimed at ensuring a fair, participatory election and ending what he described as fascist rule.
“This is a historic moment. The democratic aspirations of the people have long been denied. The July Charter and the new roadmap are signs that change is possible,” said Tarique.
Reflecting on the events of July 2024, he claimed that more than 1,500 people lost their lives during the anti-government protests, which he described as a people's uprising against authoritarianism. He termed the previous regime as a “fascist dictatorship” that turned the country into a prison for pro-democracy citizens.
Tarique urged citizens of all backgrounds to seize the opportunity to establish lasting political rights and build a future free of tyranny. “For the sake of our children and future generations, every citizen must take a stand. Let this be a turning point,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of democratic unity and urged political parties to resolve differences through dialogue rather than division. “We must not turn our backs on each other in parliament. National interest must come before partisan politics.”
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other top leaders including Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Salahuddin Ahmed, and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi also addressed the rally, reaffirming the party’s commitment to democratic reforms.
The rally was followed by a procession through nearby streets as part of BNP’s month-long commemoration of the July uprising, which the party considers a symbol of resistance against autocratic rule.
Security was visibly heightened in the capital during the event, though it proceeded peacefully. Political analysts say BNP’s endorsement of the interim government’s roadmap could mark a new phase in the country’s volatile political landscape.
END/SMA/AJ/
Comment: