BNP Leader Warns of Threats to Democracy and Unity
In a recent address, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman highlighted concerns about the actions of certain political parties that once stood alongside the anti-fascist movement. He warned that these groups might be undermining the rights and opportunities of people across the country.
Tarique spoke at the ‘Hindu Representative Council 2025’, emphasizing that the interim government’s primary responsibility is to establish a democratic administration through free and fair elections, rather than serving any party’s interests. He expressed concern that some of their allies in the anti-fascist movement could be creating a situation that jeopardizes the rights of many, including those of the Hindu community.
He cautioned that if the country becomes unstable, it could pave the way for the rehabilitation of the fallen, defeated, and fugitive fascist forces. This warning came as he urged the interim government and pro-democratic, anti-fascist forces to remain vigilant. He suggested that just as some opposition members used covert strategies to survive under fascist rule, the defeated fascist forces might now be using similar tactics to obstruct the country’s path to democracy.
“The defeated fugitive forces of August 5 should not be allowed to use any party as a cover to secretly create instability in the country. To protect against such covert tactics, the main strategy is to maintain and uphold a national anti-fascist unity,” Tarique said.
He reiterated BNP’s commitment to cooperation and understanding with the interim government and its partners in the anti-fascism movement. The event was organized by the Matua, a Hindu religious sect founded by Harichand Thakur, at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh.
Focus on Democratic Administration
Tarique described BNP as a peaceful, tolerant, and people-oriented political party. He emphasized that respecting different views and maintaining a positive attitude towards differing parties and opinions is part of BNP’s political culture. “BNP’s politics is aimed at ensuring the people’s political and economic empowerment.”
In a fascism-free Bangladesh, the BNP leader stated that the interim government’s main focus should be on establishing a democratic administration accountable to the people through free and fair elections. He noted that it is not the interim government’s role to implement any party’s interests, and therefore, BNP considers issuing notes of dissent in areas of differing opinions as the proper way.
Pointing at the Hindu community, he mentioned that the interim government has already announced that the national election will be held in February next year. “Through this election, you will freely exercise your right to vote and choose your representatives,” he said.
Tarique assured that BNP has already outlined a detailed plan for building a harmonious and prosperous Bangladesh. He explained that if given the opportunity to form the next government, BNP would introduce ‘Family Cards’ for 5 million low-income families, to be issued in the name of the female heads of households, as part of its poverty reduction programme.
Vision for a Democratic Bangladesh
He also mentioned that BNP plans to provide ‘Farmers’ Cards’ to small and marginal farmers to help them gradually become economically self-reliant. The BNP leader emphasized that only justice and the rule of law can ensure the security of people of the country, irrespective of their religion, class, or political identity.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that their party wants to build a non-communal, progressive, prosperous, and democratic Bangladesh as dreamt by BNP founder Ziaur Rahman. He added that efforts are underway to destroy democracy, and the Matua community wants to live with dignity.
Fakhrul sought the support of the Matua community members for BNP in the next national election, so the party can receive a mandate to form the government. He reiterated BNP’s vision of a democratic Bangladesh where every citizen, regardless of religion or background, can live with dignity, freedom, and equal opportunity.