Don’t take law into your own hands: Tarique to party activists

Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of BNP, has urged the party activists to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

He made the call while virtually addressing a party rally at Nayapaltan in the capital from London on Wednesday (7 August).

Tarique, the eldest son of party chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, emphasised the need for unity and harmony among all Bangladeshi citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations.

The BNP leader said, "If anyone attempts to commit wrongdoing in the name of the BNP, hand them over to the law. If someone violates the rules, do not hesitate to file a complaint against them with the police."

As a result of the student-led movement, the country's people witnessed a new form of freedom in 2024, he said. "But we have to remain cautious as conspiracies are going on to undermine the current achievements of the nation."

The police are not the enemies of the people, Tarique said. "Sheikh Hasina, who was elected without a fair election, had forced the police to stand against people. After Hasina fled, a group is trying to break the morale of the police and is attempting to create an unstable environment in the country."

He went on to say, "Therefore, criticism or chaos cannot be the solution to anarchy. It is most important to make the administration timely and effective. Power must be transferred to an elected government as quickly as possible."

Tarique was arrested on 7 March 2007 on various charges including corruption. He walked out of jail on 3 September 2008 after securing bail in 13 cases. On 11 September 2008, he left Dhaka for London, accompanied by members of his family.