Photo: Collected
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has urged the party leaders and activists to refrain from wrongdoing and sheltering intruders, reminding them that people may once again show their strength as they did on August 5 if they make mistakes.
Speaking virtually at a discussion on Sunday, he also said the accountability of the government must be ensured through timely elections at every level, from Parliament to Union Parishads, in order to alleviate public suffering and reflect the people's will and desire in governance.
"I humbly request all the soldiers of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia all over Bangladesh with folded hands, please do not allow intruders to crowd around you...please do not get misguided and refrain from confusing activities," the BNP leader said
BNP organised the discussion at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking the 89th birth anniversary of its founder and former President Ziaur Rahman.
Tarique said over 60 lakh people were repressed, with many others killed, including around 500 during the July mass uprising, under the fascist rule of Sheikh Hasina. "Had we endured the repression and persecution to facilitate the intruders and wrongdoers?" he questioned.
He also said many people believe BNP has the highest potential to form the government if a free and fair election is held in the country.
Tarique questioned the party leaders and workers if a situation emerges due to wrongdoings by intruders or misguided BNP followers, where someone else forms the government, whether they would be able to stay well. "We don't know who or what may come (to power)...but it won't be good for all of us."
He also said if anyone else forms the government for any reason, every political activist belonging to BNP should have the minimum sense to recognise that it would not be good for the country and the nation, both from a local and international perspective. "So, we still have time on our hands to stand by the people and behave according to their desires."
At the end of the day, as a political party or activists, Tarique said BNP leaders have to go to the voters. "If any of us indulge in wrongdoing before that day (voting day), you will have to answer to the people when you go to them for their votes."
The BNP leader reminded his party colleagues of a very clear and recent example of how, when people get angry, they can force autocrats to flee the country.
"That example, just a few days ago, still shines before our eyes... If we ultimately need public support, why shouldn't we try to earn it through good actions? Why should you turn a blind eye to unfairness? If the people turn away their faces, we will have no place to go, no matter what we think of ourselves," he warned.
Without mentioning names, Tarique said some political forces are trying to raise their voices against BNP due to the wrongdoings of intruders and some misguided party activists. "So, I am saying it again and again that we must be alert and careful."
He reiterated that the next election will not be as easy as BNP leaders and activists might think, with complacency over their party's strength.
"We have our party's organisation even at the village level. But people matter and people are our strength and support. "People showed on August 5 what happens if they are not with you. So, if we make any mistake, the people will show something again, and then you will have to face the consequences," the BNP leader said.
He called upon the BNP leaders and workers to stand by the people and work according to their desires. "Those who engage in any work that can affect us and our party; we will put up a resistance and register our protest against them."
The BNP leader called upon the party rank and file to remain united and stand against unfairness and resist it. "We must stand with the people in such a way that they understand we are with them, according to their desires. This should be our oath on this day, the 89th birth anniversary of Ziaur Rahman."
Messenger/JRTarek
