Rangamati, Feb 25 (V7N) – Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Joint Secretary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) National Executive Committee, stated that if BNP forms the government with the support of the people, a golden era will begin in the Chattogram Hill Tracts under the leadership of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. He added that not only Bangladesh, but the region will become a significant progressive area in the subcontinent.

Speaking at a large rally organized by BNP at the Shaheed Abdus Shukur Field in Rangamati’s Reserve Bazar on Monday afternoon, Sohel discussed various issues, including controlling price hikes of essential goods, improving law and order, announcing an electoral roadmap, and addressing the fascist plots of the state.

He directed his remarks toward the interim government, saying, “It feels like a terrorist force has taken control of the government. The government is talking about local elections first, but the people will never accept it. If there is any delay in the next national election, the people will not tolerate it. You must hold the elections soon.”

He continued, “Under the fascist rule of Hasina, people haven’t been able to vote for 16-17 years. Young voters have never cast their votes. We are ready for elections, and the people are eagerly waiting for them.”

Addressing the coordinators, he mentioned, “After August 5, 2024, many youngsters have been making statements, claiming credit for the movement. But they never mention the core movement led by Tarique Rahman when BNP was organizing protests. They were in the student league back then. Tarique Rahman worked tirelessly, and we successfully overthrew the autocratic regime together.”

He further said, “The Awami League has destroyed the election system and lost its legitimacy. They have no chance of contesting the elections. An influential Awami League figure once said, ‘The game has started.’ But what game? A game of weapons? We are not afraid. Our power is in the people. That’s why they had to flee after being defeated by the people's strength.”

In a special address, BNP National Executive Committee's Co-Organizational Secretary Harunur Rashid stated, “We’ve heard that the coordinators are planning to form a new political party. That’s good, but if it’s formed under state patronage, the outcome will not be positive. The people will resist it firmly.”

BNP’s Chattogram Division Co-Organizational Secretary Mir Helal Uddin, in his speech, said, “In the last 16 years, BNP, Youth League, Student League, Workers’ Party, Kissan League, Women’s League, Volunteer League, and other allied organizations have endured extreme repression, and they have been transformed into pure gold. These tested forces have learned to overcome fear, endure persecution, and stand tall in protest. Do not challenge these forces. If you do, they will not last even two seconds. We call on the government to announce the election date immediately.”

After almost two decades, BNP held a massive rally in Rangamati, reinvigorating party leaders and activists with new energy. The event saw a large turnout of party members and supporters throughout the day. The last such rally was held in 2005 when former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia attended an event at the Rangamati Stadium.

The rally was chaired by district BNP President Dipon Talukder Dipu, with the main speaker being Mahbubur Rahman Shamim, Organizational Secretary of BNP’s Chattogram Division. Other speakers included Barrister Mir Helal Uddin, Assistant Secretary for Religious Affairs Advocate Dipen Dewan, former Deputy Minister Maniswapan Dewan, and former MP candidate Maitree Dewan, along with central, district, and upazila leaders.

END/AM/SMA/