Jashore: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today declared that the nation is experiencing a political transition following the ousting of an autocratic leader through a mass uprising. He claimed, “Chief of the dictatorial regime has fled but her ghosts are still in various positions of administration and society. They are trying to hatch conspiracy from their positions,” during a virtual memorial meeting for veteran BNP leader and former minister Tariqul Islam at the Town Hall ground.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the BNP’s Jashore District Unit organized the memorial meeting to commemorate the 6th death anniversary of Tariqul Islam. Tarique Rahman paid homage to Islam, expressing a sense of loss for “an ideal and generous political personality” during this transitional period. He emphasized the importance of having an “organizationally skilled politician” like Islam alive for providing crucial guidance for the country’s and the party’s welfare.
Addressing proposa
ls for reforms, Rahman questioned, “Giving respect to them, I want to ask, whether bringing changes to some lines in the Constitution will be called reform?” He elaborated on the true essence of reform as one that “changes people’s fate, creates employment opportunities, establishes women independence and rights and public security, ensures proper education and minimum healthcare of people.”
The memorial meeting was presided over by Jashore District BNP Joint Convener Delwar Hossain Khokon. It was attended by notable figures such as BNP Central Committee Assistant Organizing Secretary Jayanta Kundu, Central Committee members Engineer TS Ayub, Abul Hossain Azad, Sabira Nazmul Munni, and District BNP Member Secretary Syed Saberul Haque Sabu. Among others present were Anindya Islam Amit, the youngest son of late Tariqul Islam, and Professor Nargis Islam, the late leader’s wife.
The event saw a massive turnout, with thousands of BNP supporters and activists gathering from Jashore and neighboring districts. The
Town Hall ground was overwhelmed with people well before the 3:00 p.m. start time, with the crowd spilling into adjacent streets and alleys.
Tarique Rahman reiterated BNP’s unique stance on reforms aimed at positively transforming the country’s fortunes. He mentioned BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s advocacy of reforms under “2030 Vision” and the recent announcement of a “31-point outline for state reforms” by the party, which was subsequently reinforced with support from various parties committed to establishing democracy.
Rahman highlighted the necessity of constitutional changes in response to global shifts and called for discussions with political parties to gather recommendations for successful reforms. He fondly recalled a memory of a conversation with Tariqul Islam during a crisis period, where Islam encouraged him to remain steadfast, saying, “InshaAllah everything will be fine.”
Reflecting on Tariqul Islam’s illustrious political career, Rahman noted the void felt by t
he country and its people in the absence of such a leader during this political transition.