Dhaka: BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today urged political parties involved in the anti-fascist street movement to avoid complicating the current political situation in the country. "I call upon my street allies in the anti-fascist movement - do not unnecessarily complicate the situation," he said during an online discussion marking the historic 7th November National Revolution and Solidarity Day.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Tarique Rahman emphasized that the BNP, despite being the most popular and publicly supported party in the country, has made significant compromises to maintain anti-fascist national unity for the greater good of the country and its people. He stressed that this commitment is not merely rhetorical but a proven truth, highlighting that the BNP has shown a positive attitude on most points of the National Consensus Commission and is determined to uphold pledges made in the July National Charter.
Rahman warned against any party attempting to exploit the interim government's weaknesses for personal gain or using malicious strategies to hinder the BNP's success, as such actions could lead to political disaster. The event, organized by BNP at the Bangladesh China Friendship International Conference Center, was chaired by its Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
He urged the allies in the anti-fascist movement to face the people in the upcoming February elections instead of issuing threats to the interim government, reminding them that not every citizen is an activist of any particular party. Rahman called for a shift in political mentality, emphasizing that changes in mindset, political understanding, and a democratic mentality are necessary, along with patriotism and national unity.
Reflecting on the significance of November 7, 1975, Rahman recalled the historical revolution of the patriotic sepoys and the people, which defeated forces attempting to establish a one-party dictatorship and tarnish the glory of the Bangladesh Army. He urged national unity to ensure that no one could undermine the country's rights or turn it into a dependent state.
In an apparent reference to the demand for a referendum on the July Charter ahead of the planned national elections, Rahman argued that funds for the plebiscite could instead assist farmers with potato cultivation and build onion storage facilities, suggesting that these needs outweigh the call for a referendum.
BNP Secretary General Alamgir echoed Rahman's sentiments, describing November 7 as a revolt against expansionism and a reflection of the unity between patriotic soldiers and the people, leading to the establishment of a new political system by Ziaur Rahman. Alamgir warned that certain political parties have created a purposeful crisis in the political arena to obstruct democratic transition and necessary electoral reforms, pushing the country's future into uncertainty.
Other BNP leaders and special guests, including standing committee members and prominent academics, also addressed the gathering, attended by leaders of different political parties and hundreds of BNP leaders and activists.