BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman stated that Bangladesh’s democracy will remain under threat until a government formed through direct popular elections is established.
Speaking at the biennial conference of the Shri Shri Janmashtami Udjapan Parishad, Bangladesh Central Committee, at JM Sen Hall in Chattogram, Tarique emphasized that the upcoming national election offers a crucial chance to ensure a safer Bangladesh. While acknowledging the fall of the autocratic regime, he highlighted that efforts to undermine democracy continue.
Tarique called on the Hindu community to seize this opportunity by supporting and cooperating with the BNP in the election.
Reaffirming the BNP’s commitment to equality, Tarique emphasized that every citizen, regardless of ethnicity, religion, caste, or belief, has equal rights. He further stressed the importance of security for all, warning that neither minorities nor the majority can be safe unless justice and the rule of law are upheld.
Drawing parallels with the Ramayana, Tarique noted that just as Shri Krishna overthrew the tyrant Kansa in Mathura over five thousand years ago, Bangladesh too overcame a decade of oppression by an autocratic regime through a popular uprising. However, he cautioned that the regime’s supporters are still plotting against democracy.
Addressing the Hindu community, Tarique urged them to recognize that a particular faction has politically exploited them for the past 17 years, stressing the importance of this realization.
The event was also attended by BNP National Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Shahadat Hossain, with Pradeep Chakraborty presiding over the session.
