Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman emphasized the need for unity among nationalist forces with the spirit of November 7 to promote democracy and safeguard the country’s independence and sovereignty. He communicated this message via a verified Facebook post in observance of National Revolution and Solidarity Day.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Tarique Rahman expressed his greetings to the citizens on this commemorative occasion, highlighting November 7 as a significant and memorable date in the nation’s history. He recalled how, in 1975, soldiers and citizens, fueled by patriotism, took to the streets with a shared commitment to protect independence and restore democracy. This historical event, he noted, holds enduring importance.
Tarique Rahman criticized post-independence ruling forces, accusing them of threatening the country’s independence and sovereignty through lawlessness and political chaos for their self-interest. He argued that these forces engaged i
n anti-democratic activities to consolidate power, citing the establishment of the one-party Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (BAKSAL) as an example of obstructing democracy and stifling freedom of speech.
He described the resultant period as one of unrest and despair, marked by the Bakshali government’s undemocratic and oppressive actions that stripped citizens of their rights. Tarique Rahman recounted the events of November 3, 1975, when Ziaur Rahman, who had declared the country’s independence, was imprisoned alongside his family amid political turmoil. The subsequent November 7 uprising by soldiers and civilians paved the way for Ziaur Rahman’s release, strengthening the nation’s independence and sovereignty and initiating the era of multi-party democracy under his leadership.
Tarique Rahman further lamented that President Ziaur Rahman was assassinated in 1981 by those opposing his leadership. Despite this, he asserted, the people remain united in their commitment to preserving the nation’s freedo
m and democratic values.
He accused the Awami League and its foreign allies of seizing state power for 16 years, weakening the country’s sovereignty through their policies. He alleged that the Awami League’s tenure was marked by forced disappearances, murders, and extrajudicial killings targeting pro-democracy leaders and activists. He also criticized the prolonged detention of Begum Khaleda Zia, whom he described as a symbol of democracy.
Tarique Rahman called for fundamental democratic principles, such as free and fair elections and the protection of citizens’ rights, to be upheld. He condemned the Awami League’s policies for attacking the nation’s culture, tradition, and language, urging a unified effort to reclaim democratic freedoms.