Dhaka: Chief Whip of Parliament Nurul Islam Moni on Monday drew a parallel between BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, suggesting that Rahman embodies the spirit of Nazrul through his leadership and vision. Moni asserted that although Nazrul is no longer physically present, his essence lives on, and today, Tarique Rahman holds that legacy.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Moni made these remarks during a discussion organized by the Jatiyatabadi Sangskritik Dal at the National Press Club to commemorate the 50th death anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam. Moni highlighted that Tarique Rahman had assumed leadership during a challenging period marked by both global and domestic crises.
Moni referenced the geopolitical tension following Tarique Rahman's rise to power, specifically the conflict between Iran and America, which led to a dramatic increase in oil prices in 85 countries. He praised Rahman for stabilizing the situation in Bangladesh, noting that despite initial disruptions like long queues at petrol stations, normalcy resumed within days without increasing oil prices.
Addressing the electricity shortages, Moni questioned the rationale behind blaming Tarique Rahman for the crisis, urging the public to discern the genuine efforts of the government and identify those responsible for exacerbating problems. He criticized the perceived hypocrisy of some protesters, pointing out the contradiction of using lanterns as a symbol of protest while benefiting from electricity.
Moni called for patience and understanding from the public, emphasizing that it is unrealistic to expect Tarique Rahman to resolve all issues swiftly. He reiterated Rahman's contributions to the nation's development, particularly in creating opportunities for the youth and supporting industrial growth in both urban and rural areas.
Drawing further comparisons, Moni likened Tarique Rahman to former leader Ziaur Rahman, who he described as 'a Nazrul' of his time. He warned of the dangers of losing such visionary leadership, recalling the authoritarian oppression that followed Ziaur Rahman's departure.
Moni concluded with a call for unity and support for Tarique Rahman's leadership, expressing hope for a future where the nation could thrive under his guidance.