Democratic forces must stay united to move country forward: Tarique

Highlights

• Tarique stresses the importance of unity among democratic forces to combat remnants of the past autocratic regime
• He warns that divisive debates could obstruct Bangladesh's rebuilding efforts
• Tarique calls for dialogue to resolve political differences while prioritising the nation's welfare
• He accuses the Awami League of undermining democracy and depriving citizens of voting rights
• Tarique reaffirms BNP's commitment to rebuilding the country

The only option for democratic forces is now to stay united to move the country forward and rebuild it with peace as the cohorts of the fallen fascists are trying to raise their ugly heads again, BNP acting chairperson Tarique Rahman said today (1 February).

"The autocrats against whom we waged the movement are now on the run. Although the head of the autocratic regime fled, many of its remnants are still present in Bangladesh," he said while virtually addressing the biennial council of the Brahmanbaria district unit BNP.

The council was held at the field of Sohagpur Abbasuddin Khan Model College. This council of BNP's Brahmanbaria district unity took place after nearly 12 years, as part of the party's efforts to overhaul its grassroots, reports UNB.

Tarique said the cohorts of the deposed despotic regime are making efforts in various ways to raise their heads again and reorganise in an attempt to take over the country.

"We can't allow them to achieve their goal… If you want to protect yourselves, your families, the people of the country, and overall Bangladesh, we all must remain united at any cost. We have no other alternative. If we want to take the country forward with peace, we must remain united. Unity is power," he said.

The BNP leader said there could be differences of opinion among democratic parties and organisations on various political issues, including the future function of parliament, its tenure, the tenure of governments (both interim and elected), and the limit for a person's tenure as prime minister.

"We can resolve these issues through discussions. But if we engage in excessive debates on these matters, we will fall behind in rebuilding the country," he said.

The BNP leader said the country and its people will suffer if the rebuilding activities of Bangladesh are hindered. "We'll sit together and engage in discussions. If we can't resolve it in one sitting, we'll continue to meet and find solutions through dialogue."

He said there is much work ahead for democratic forces to rebuild the country and tackle the challenges Bangladesh is facing.

"But if we indulge in debates only to protect our own interests, we won't be able to save the country from the brink of collapse and destruction. If we continue to do it, the fleeing autocrats will be the ones to benefit most," Tarique warned.

Stating that BNP is the largest political party in Bangladesh, he said the leaders and activists of the party must play a leading role in rebuilding the country.

"If we want to play this role, the first condition is that we have to remain united at any cost, and we'll show the people the path to resolve the problems. BNP will not only remain united but will also unite all other political parties, organisations, and people who are in favour of the country. People want BNP to play this role," Tarique said.

The BNP leader said all political parties should focus solely on the betterment of the country and its people, rising above narrow party interests. "At the end of the day, we must remember that whatever we say or do, the support must come from the people. That's why we must stay with the people and keep them with us."

As the leaders and activists of the largest party, he said everyone belongs to BNP should behave, speak, and maintain a posture that is acceptable to the people to gain their trust and support. "At the same time, we'll remain united, and it is our duty to unite all pro-democratic parties, organisations, and people."

Tarique said differences of opinion over various issues exist among political parties in all democratic countries. "But in the end, they leave it to the people to decide and take decisions based on the people's choices, accepting the outcome. Elections are the only way to achieve that, empowering the people through their right to vote."

He said the people of Bangladesh have not had the right to vote in the last 15 years, as the Awami League's usurper government took it away at gunpoint in the name of dummy, voter-less, and rigged elections.

The BNP leader also accused the fascist Sheikh Hasina regime of destroying all institutions and plundering significant amounts of money in the name of development, as it had no accountability to the people.

He said the government's accountability is ensured when the people can elect their representatives through their votes.

Tarique reiterated that BNP has already presented a 31-point framework for rebuilding Bangladesh, overhauling all sectors, ensuring the welfare of the people, and resolving their problems. "The sooner we can begin the rebuilding process, the faster we can develop the country and alleviate the people's problems."

He said the conspirators have continued their efforts to destabilise the country in various ways, including through agitations under the guise of placing various demands. "So, we take the first vow at this council that all BNP leaders and activists will remain united under any circumstances… Our second pledge is that we'll build the country along with the people by maintaining unity."