Tarique warns against extremism, threats to democracy
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has issued a stark warning that religious extremists and defeated fascist forces could once again bury democracy in Bangladesh if their activities are not curbed.
Speaking at an iftar party hosted by the BNP at the Ladies Club in Dhaka’s Eskaton area on Wednesday, Tarique emphasised that safeguarding the country’s secular character and strengthening democratic institutions will be central to his party’s future political agenda.
Tarique urged the interim government to take decisive action against extremist groups, saying, “If the evil activities of religious extremists and their radical ideologies are not controlled, extremist groups and defeated fascist forces will once again bury democracy in the country.” He warned that such a scenario would tarnish Bangladesh’s image in the democratic world.
The event, attended by leaders from various political parties and prominent figures, aimed to foster unity and dialogue among stakeholders. Senior leaders from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Jatiya Nagorik Party, Ganadhikar Parishad, AB Party, and Jatiya Party (Jafar) were present. Tarique Rahman joined the gathering virtually from London as the chief guest.
The BNP leader stressed that resisting extremism and ensuring justice for the fugitive mafia clique responsible for massacres during the previous regime are critical steps toward restoring trust in governance. “To maintain the country’s secular character, we must bring the perpetrators of atrocities to trial at any cost while resisting the forces of extremism and religious fundamentalism,” he said.
Tarique highlighted ongoing plots to undermine the unity forged during the mass uprising in July-August 2024, which led to the ousting of the Awami League-led government. “There are attempts to harm the national unity achieved through the sacrifices of thousands of martyrs,” he said.
Calling on pro-independence and democratic forces to remain united, Tarique asserted, “If we, the pro-independence and democratic forces, stay united, no plot will succeed.” He urged all leaders and activists across democratic political parties to work together to uphold national unity and resist divisive agendas.
The BNP leader expressed concerns about the lack of clarity in the interim government’s roadmap, particularly regarding elections. “If the outline of the interim government’s activities or action plan were clearer and more specific, all doubts and hesitations in the minds of the people would be removed,” he said.
Tarique rejected the notion that elections are merely a tool for political power transitions. “It is true that the Awami mafia government was not overthrown merely to arrange a national election. But it is even truer that the regime collapsed due to its failure to hold a fair election,” he observed.
He warned that prioritizing secondary issues under the guise of political settlements, instead of addressing public expectations, could erode trust in the interim government and derail the path to democracy. Such actions, he said, would ultimately pave the way for the resurgence of the ousted mafia regime’s cohorts.
Tarique emphasised the importance of empowering citizens politically and economically to ensure a strong and sustainable democratic process. “The term of a government is fixed, but the political management of a country is long-term. To keep the political process robust, the political and economic power of the people must be ensured,” he said.
Highlighting the aspirations of the masses, who have been politically powerless for over a decade, Tarique stated, “The people are now ready to exercise their right to vote and establish a government that reflects their will.”
The BNP leader reiterated his party’s commitment to building an equitable, safe, democratic, and humane Bangladesh for current and future generations. If entrusted with governance in the upcoming national elections, Tarique pledged that the BNP would form a national government inclusive of representatives from pro-democratic political parties and elected public representatives.
He also expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in violence against women and children, including rape cases. “Women make up half of the country’s population. Without ensuring their safety, it is impossible to move the country forward,” he said. Tarique called for introspection on whether the government and law enforcement agencies have prioritised political settlements over public security.
Source: UNB
