Prevent divisive politics from harming Bangladesh

Urges Tarique Rahman

FE Team | Published: December 31, 2024 00:20:22

NILPHAMARI, Dec 30 (UNB): BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has urged all, including political actors, to remain vigilant to ensure differences of opinion among them do not lead to situations that could harm the country's progress and its people.
"There may be differences of opinion between various political parties and the people. But the differences should not reach a level where the country's progress, and its people are harmed, or where the natural desires of the people are hindered. We must remain cautious to ensure that no such situation arises," he said while addressing a public event virtually on Monday.
'Amara BNP Poribar' organised the programme at the Madrasa Ground in Sadar upazila to hand over the keys of the newly-constructed house to the family of Shaheed Golam Rabbani, who was killed in a crossfire by RAB in 2014.
Tarique reminded that the dictator fled, her ghosts and many associates are still hiding across the country. "They're trying to hatch various plots. But crores of people want to see a normal situation in Bangladesh… The time has come to build Bangladesh as a safe country through united efforts, so that the youth have job opportunities, students can study without any worry, and people can move freely, whether by day or night."
He said Bangladesh is a home to intellectuals, wise and prudent persons, and people from various professions and classes. "Many people have many opinions. We'll discuss these differing opinions. In the end, we will build the country and move it forward based on the opinion that has the most support from the people."
He said governments in developed countries, including the UK, work in various ways for the welfare of the people, as they are formed through credible elections following the democratic process.
"We must restore the democratic system in Bangladesh to move the country forward in the days to come. We have to ensure the election process, from the union parishads to parliament, and from the mosques to other institutions," the BNP leader said.
He also said the election process must continue year after year, and generation after generation, without interruption at any cost. "Through this process, capable leadership will emerge, with some becoming Union Parishad chairmen, municipal mayors, upazila chairmen, or MPs."
Tarique said those who become public representatives through a credible election, with the genuine votes of the people, will work for the people and raise their voices to establish the rights of the citizens. "Overall, they will work for the betterment of the country."
He said political parties carried out movements for a long time while many people sacrificed their lives to oust the Awami League's autocratic regime.
"The autocrat has fled the country. Now, it's time to rebuild the country in the coming days. Everyone should unite regardless of party affiliation. If we are united with strong determination, we can move the country forward. We have a lot of work ahead of us," the BNP leader said.