Barishal: Without naming any political party, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today criticized leaders of a once ‘secret organization,’ referring to them as new tyrants akin to autocrats. “Mothers and sisters of the country are not safe from them,” Rahman stated, adding that since August 5, 2024, the party has been using rhetoric against BNP similar to that used by autocrats. He made these remarks at an election rally at Bells Park ground in Barishal city.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the BNP Chairman emphasized that Bangladesh should be governed based on the people’s verdict, with an accountable government elected on February 12. He expressed concern over the slanderous language used by leaders of the unnamed party against women, criticizing their disrespect for human dignity. Rahman condemned a recent statement by a leader from Comilla, which suggested a manipulative approach to soliciting votes.
Rahman warned that if this ‘covert’ party were elected, it would spell misery for the common people, urging caution and a lesson for such forces. He accused the party of historically aligning with autocratic governments, being “the other side of the same coin” since 1971 and through various political eras.
Addressing local issues, Rahman highlighted river erosion as Barishal’s biggest problem, advocating for the construction of embankments and the completion of unfinished projects from BNP’s past tenure. He stressed the importance of gender equality in national progress, asserting that men and women must work collaboratively.
Rahman reiterated the damaging remarks made by the ‘secret’ parties about women, cautioning against their rise to power. The rally, led by Moniruzzaman Khan Faruq, Convenor of Barishal Mohanagar BNP, introduced BNP and alliance candidates for 21 parliamentary seats in Barishal division.
Tarique Rahman’s rally in Barishal, after nearly two decades, attracted large crowds from various regions, with participants joining in vibrant processions and slogans supporting the BNP symbol, the Paddy Sheaf. The enthusiasm at the rally reflected hopes for BNP’s role in the southern region’s development under Rahman’s leadership.