Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairperson Tarique Rahman on Friday alleged that the conspiracy of the anti-democracy forces are still being hatched to thwart the government.
“I want to remind the freedom-loving people one thing and I myself also want to remain alert that the conspiracy of anti-democratic forces has not stopped. The accomplices of the deposed autocrat are still active at home and abroad, in governance and administration and are actively working to destabilise the interim government,” he said while addressing a mammoth rally at Nayapaltan in the capital.
The BNP organised the rally marking National Revolution and Solidarity Day.
Joining the rally virtually from London, Tarique said that this interim government must not be allowed to fail under any circumstances.
“No conspiracy against the country will work if the nationalist forces of Bangladesh are united. Conspirators are trying to thwart the interim government. The interim government cannot be allowed to fail,” he said.
Renewing his party’s support for the interim government, he said, “If the interim government wants to keep itself alert, it must take effective steps to fulfil the expectations of people. It is now the demand of people,” Tarique said.
After a brief address, Tarique Rahman formally inaugurated the rally at about 3:30pm.
Tens of thousands of leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies from Dhaka and surrounding districts, wearing colourful caps, thronged the Nayapaltan area to participate in a large-scale showdown.
Carrying banners, festoons, placards, and portraits of the top leaders, BNP activists also chanted slogans demanding elections and the withdrawal of cases against senior party leaders, including Tarique Rahman.
Streets and alleys from Kakrail Mosque to Fakirerpool and adjoining areas were packed with BNP supporters, causing traffic disruption in the area.
Addressing the rally, the BNP leader mentioned that this procession of millions embodies the resolve to build an egalitarian, democratic, and humane Bangladesh—a dream held by countless injured students and people as well as thousands of activists who suffered during the anti-fascist movement.
“Let the anti-national forces of Bangladesh take note: today's assembly on the streets of the capital is not a protest march aimed at inciting anyone, rather the march to protect Bangladesh's interests, to defend our rights, and to establish the right to vote. It is essential that no fascist or autocratic regime returns to Bangladesh again, and for that, every citizen must be empowered to directly vote and elect their representatives,” he said.
He said that as long as those aspiring to be representatives, from local to central government, cannot be made dependent on the people’s vote, the public will not be able to reap the benefits of democracy.
“Even in an environment free from autocracy or fascism, it will be impossible to rid low-income people of the curse of market syndicates if we do not ensure the direct rights of the people,” he said.
Tarique Rahman further said November 7, 1975, was the day to distinguish between friend and foe, and August 5, 2024, was the day to identify enemies.
“I have said before that if the pro-Bangladesh forces stay united, no one will be able to jeopardise the country’s independence,” he said.
He said that today’s procession of millions in the capital Dhaka is a march to educate the pro-Bangladesh forces in the underlying teachings of November 7
Addressing the rally, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir cautioned that although Sheikh Hasina has fled following the recent student-led uprising, her allies remain in Bangladesh and could ‘attack the country again if given the chance.’
“BNP is the strongest political force in Bangladesh. On 7 November in 1975, the Sepoy-Janata (soldier and civilian) uprising defeated fascism, and under Ziaur Rahman’s leadership, Bangladesh stood against imperialism and safeguarded its sovereignty,” he said.
Reflecting on recent events, he continued, “In 2024, we witnessed another uprising, this time led by students and the public. For 17 years, Sheikh Hasina imposed a mafia-like rule, plundering the country. Thanks to Allah, she has now fled due to the student uprising.”
“Even though Hasina has left, her allies are still here. If they get another chance, they will attack Bangladesh again,” he warned.
The BNP secretary general further stated, “As in the past, we will confront any conspiracy that arises, Insha Allah.”
After the inauguration, the BNP in a procession towards Manik Mia Avenue passing through Kakrail intersection, Kakrail Mosque, Matsya Bhaban, the Engineering Institute, Shahbagh, Hotel Intercontinental, Bangla Motor, Karwan Bazar and Farmgate.
The BNP observed ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’ on Thursday, commemorating the ‘civil-military uprising’ of 7 November 1975.
Amid political unrest on 7 November in 1975, soldiers and civilians jointly freed the then Chief of Army Staff Ziaur Rahman from confinement in Dhaka Cantonment, paving the way for his ascent to power.
