Staff Reporter:
BNP’s acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has called upon women to remain alert so that fascism, extremism, and authoritarianism can never rise again in Bangladesh.
He made the call on Thursday evening while addressing a discussion titled “Women’s Role in Anti-Fascist Movement” held at the auditorium of Bangladesh Medical University in Shahbagh, Dhaka. The event was organized by Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal to mark the anniversary of the July–August mass uprising.
In his virtual keynote, Tarique Rahman said, “To build the kind of Bangladesh a mother envisions for her child, the upcoming national election is of utmost importance for every citizen.”
He urged all—men, women, children, regardless of religion or ethnicity—to unite in honoring the sacrifices of martyrs by establishing a just, democratic, and safe Bangladesh. “We look forward to the continued participation and support of our mothers and sisters in this movement, just as they’ve done in the past.”
Highlighting BNP’s plan for social welfare, he said that if the party comes to power, it will introduce “Family Cards” for at least 5 million marginalized families in the first phase. These cards will be issued in the name of female heads of households to empower women economically and promote self-reliance. “This initiative will strengthen both women and families,” he added.
Reflecting on personal loss, Tarique said, “Like many of you, my mother, Begum Khaleda Zia, also lost a son (Arafat Rahman Koko) during the anti-fascist struggle. Many mothers lost children, wives lost husbands, sisters lost brothers. Families were torn apart.”
He stressed that now is the time to seize the opportunity to build a humane Bangladesh for all, transcending gender, religion, and class. “I firmly believe this is how we can fulfill the dreams of the martyrs.”
He highlighted the past contributions of President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in advancing women’s rights and empowerment. “BNP firmly believes that we cannot build a safe, progressive Bangladesh by leaving half of the population—women—out of national politics and development.”
Tarique stressed the importance of education, employment, and entrepreneurship for women, adding: “If women are educated and economically independent, issues like domestic violence and financial vulnerability can be addressed.”
He reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to the slogan: “Empowered women, liberated families.” He added that the party’s future policies are being shaped with this principle in mind.
The discussion was presided over by BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Afroza Khan Rita, and conducted by Mohila Dal’s General Secretary Sultana Ahmed and Joint Secretary Helen Jerin Khan.
Senior leaders present at the event included BNP Standing Committee members Abdul Moyeen Khan and Selima Rahman, JSD Vice-President Tania Rob, Professor Tajmeri S. A. Islam, Tahsina Rushdir Luna, Shirin Sultana, JU Professor Shamima Sultana, and martyr Sajedul Islam Suman’s sister Sanjida Islam Tuli, among others.
