BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has warned that a covert autocracy could take shape in Bangladesh if democratic and nationalist forces fail to stay united ahead of the national election, reports UNB.
"In the past 15 years, the nation experienced another form of autocracy, which people eventually overcame. However, if we fail to make the people understand the ground reality, if we cannot stay united, a hidden form of autocracy could emerge in the country in the days to come," he said.
While virtually addressing the biennial council of BNP's Cumilla South District unit at the Town Hall field in Cumilla on Saturday, Tarique stressed the need to make people aware of the ground reality and the importance of national unity.
"If we do not unite now, if the democratic forces fail to come together, if we cannot unite the people of this country, then just as autocracy gripped the nation after independence, and just as a fascist autocracy took hold following the 1/11 events and the so-called 2008, the same could happen again," he warned.
Tarique called upon BNP leaders and activists across the country to put aside all divisions and work shoulder to shoulder. "We have no alternative but to unite.
This must be our pledge and our oath."
As the autocratic regime of the Awami League was ousted, he said the party's priority is to rebuild and reconstruct the nation through united efforts.
The BNP leader told his party colleagues that if Bangladesh is to be rebuilt in line with people's expectations, unity among all is essential.
Tarique reminded them that the people are the true source of BNP's strength. "We must reach out to them, listen to them, and act according to their expectations.”
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