Anti-Democracy Forces Still Conspiring, Warns Tarique Rahman
Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Tarique Rahman, issued a stark warning on Friday, emphasizing that anti-democratic forces continue conspiring to undermine the interim government.
“Freedom-loving people must stay vigilant,” Rahman declared. “The conspiracy by anti-democratic forces has not ended. Allies of the fugitive dictator remain active both domestically and internationally, embedded in power and administration, working to destabilize the interim government,” he said.
His remarks were delivered via a virtual address to a massive gathering outside the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office on November 7, prior to a grand procession marking National Revolution and Solidarity Day.
Highlighting the day's significance, Rahman praised the fall of fascism during the student-led mass uprising and underscored the people's mandate for a stable government. “The interim government must take pragmatic steps to fulfil the people’s aspirations. We cannot let their dreams be in vain,” he urged, adding that the will of thousands who joined the event should not be disregarded.
Rahman called for unity among pro-Bangladeshi forces to safeguard national independence and sovereignty, identifying November 7, 1975, as a day that distinguished friend from foe.
"Let us ensure that the march of the people is not in vain. With this expectation in mind, I declare the successful inauguration of this march."
Tarique said, "The 7th of November, 1975, was the day of recognising friend and foe. And the 5th of August, 2024, will be remembered as the day of identifying Bangladesh’s enemies. “As long as the pro-Bangladesh forces remain united, no one can endanger the country's independence,” he added.
Following his address, a grand procession commenced from Nayapaltan, drawing tens of thousands of BNP leaders and supporters. The rally proceeded through major city streets, including Kakrail, Matsya Bhaban, Shahbagh, and Farmgate, concluding at Manik Mia Avenue. The spectacle was marked by colourful displays, party flags, and placards portraying scenes from the July mass uprising.
A dramatic effigy of a caged, monstrous-looking depiction of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, adorned with horns, symbolized grievances against the Awami League regime.
“Freedom-loving people must stay vigilant,” Rahman declared. “The conspiracy by anti-democratic forces has not ended. Allies of the fugitive dictator remain active both domestically and internationally, embedded in power and administration, working to destabilize the interim government,” Tarique Rahman said.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, and others, participated in the rally atop an open truck. Leaders and activists, donning party-themed apparel and chanting slogans like “Swadhinatar Ghoshok Zia” and “Tarique Rahman Birer Beshe, Ashbe Fire Bangladesh,” turned the streets into a sea of enthusiasm.
The procession resonated with themes of resilience and a call for justice. Crowds on both sides of the route cheered, with BNP leaders acknowledging the applause with raised hands. Delegates from surrounding districts, including Narayanganj, Gazipur, and Tangail, joined the event, creating an atmosphere of solidarity. Identical processions were held simultaneously in divisional cities.
Earlier, BNP leaders paid homage to party founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman at his grave in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. The observance also featured a cultural program at the Central Shaheed Minar, organized by Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (Jasas).
During the Awami League regime, rallies were held from Nayapaltan to Shantinagar intersection with the permission of the police. BNP brought out procession up to Manik Mia Avenue for the first time after more than an era.