Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has pledged that his party will bring those responsible for the violence and killings during the anti-autocracy movement and the 2024 mass uprising to trial, should it come to power in the future.
In a virtual address at an Iftar Mahfil on Sunday, held at Hotel Lakeshore in Dhaka, Rahman assured that the BNP would work towards securing justice for those affected and persecuted in previous anti-dictatorship movements. He also vowed to ensure accountability for the victims of the July-August uprising.
“The BNP will make every effort to ensure justice for those who were affected, martyred, and killed during the 2024 uprising and past movements against autocracy, if given the chance to govern,” Rahman said during the event, organized by the “Amra BNP Poribar” for the families of victims of enforced disappearances and killings under the current Awami League regime.
The event also saw the distribution of Eid gifts among the victim families, offering support to those who have lost loved ones.
Rahman expressed confidence that a neutral national election will soon be held in Bangladesh, where the people will have the opportunity to decide the future government. He stressed that whoever assumes power must prioritize justice for those who have suffered under previous regimes.
“All political parties, regardless of affiliation, must commit to bringing justice to those who fought for the rights of the people,” he said, adding that such trials must be fair to prevent future injustices.
He reassured the families of the victims, urging them not to lose hope and to stay united in their fight for justice. Rahman emphasized that, through collective effort, justice would be achieved, and that all democratic parties in Bangladesh should unite on this crucial issue.
During his speech, Rahman also highlighted the importance of upholding democracy, personal freedom, and justice for the oppressed. He called on all political parties to rally around these core values, stating that there should be no disagreement on the matter.
The event was chaired by Amra BNP Poribar Convenor Atikur Rahman Ruman, with speeches from BNP leaders including Joint Secretary General Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie, Treasurer Rashiduzzaman Millat, and family members of martyrs from the 2024 uprising and the Fascist Fall Movement.
