Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has called upon the public to stay vigilant to prevent the resurgence of extremism or fascism in the country as the national election approaches. He emphasized the importance of making informed decisions to avoid any chance of fascism being reintroduced due to emotional or erroneous choices.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rahman made these remarks during a virtual memorial meeting held to honor the contributions of private university teachers, students, and martyrs of the mass uprising, at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium. He stressed that the people's verdict should be the main consideration in political ambitions and questioned the interim government's capability to ensure political rights and conduct fair elections, citing recent brutal incidents that have raised concerns about its effectiveness.
Rahman urged the interim government to adopt a more transparent and bold approach to managing the current situation, expressing that democratic parties would support such efforts. Reflecting on past uprisings, he asserted that the martyrs of 2024 would be remembered alongside those of 1971.
He also highlighted the evolution of the quota reform movement, which after July 16, expanded beyond its initial focus. Rahman noted that the movement was driven by the belief that the fall of the current government was imminent, leading to a collective effort by democratic parties rather than a single-party initiative.
Rahman reiterated his criticism of the quota system from 2014, honoring the martyrs of the mass uprising as national pride. He emphasized the opportunity to fulfill the martyrs' vision by establishing a people's government, advocating for an environment where citizens can freely elect their representatives.