Dhaka, Jan 17 (V7N) — BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has pledged that the party will stand by the families of those who suffered from disappearances, murders, and torture during the Awami League government. He emphasized that the BNP cannot be suppressed by any conspiracy and called on citizens to remain vigilant to protect the country's democratic journey.

Tarique Rahman made these remarks at a view-exchange meeting with the families of victims, held at the China-Maitree Conference Center in Dhaka on Saturday (January 17).

He said BNP leaders and activists have long been involved in anti-fascist movements, and stressed that when one family member is persecuted, others take to the streets in protest. He also noted that the party does not operate in secret or through hidden strategies, warning that conspiracies against the party will not succeed.

Highlighting attempts by some to obstruct democracy, Tarique Rahman said, “We must remain alert against those who try to block the democratic path. Missing this opportunity to establish democracy would be an insult to the martyrs.”

He added that due to Election Commission regulations, BNP cannot fully explain its political plans for Bangladesh at present, but he expressed patience as a political party despite what he called some controversial positions taken by the EC.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said, “If any political party tries to manipulate the elections or obstruct democracy, we will not allow it. BNP’s politeness is not weakness. Democracy will return to the country.”

The meeting was attended by relatives of victims from across the country, many of whom tearfully recounted how their loved ones were taken from homes, offices, or streets, with some still missing. The families demanded fair trials and thorough investigations into the incidents.

END/SMA/AJ