Staff Reporter:
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday said that pro-democracy people of the country have once again made the BNP victorious; and described this victory as a win of democracy, pledging to build a safe, humane, and democratic Bangladesh in the days ahead.
“Alhamdulillah, this victory belongs to Bangladesh. This victory belongs to democracy. This victory belongs to the people who yearn for democracy. From yesterday, we are all free.”
Tarique Rahman made the remarks at a post-election press conference held in the Ballroom of the Inter-Continental Hotel in the city yesterday.
BNP Chairman said the people have paved the way for establishing democracy in the country by over-coming all obstacles. However, he noted that their journey must begin amidst a fragile economy left be-hind by fascism, dysfunctional constitutional and statutory institutions, and a weak law and order situa-tion.
“After more than one and a half decades, a parliament and government accountable to the people are set to be established through direct voting. Everyone to remain united so that no anti-democratic force can re-establish fascism in the country or turn Bangladesh into a subservient state,” he said.
Tarique Rahman extended heartfelt congratulations to the 51 political parties that participated in the elec-tion, including Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, and Ganadhi-kar Parishad.
“In a democratic state and politics, political parties are essentially the lighthouses of democracy. If the government and the opposition each play a responsible role from their respective positions, democracy will undoubtedly become institutionalized,” he said.
Calling upon every democratic political party that participated in the election to share their ideas for na-tion-building, he stated, “Our paths and opinions may be different, but we are all united for the sake of the country. I believe national unity is our strength, and division is our weakness.”
He specially thanked the interim government and the Election Commission for successfully holding a peaceful, free, fair, and impartial election, dispelling all public doubts.
Tarique Rahman also praised the role of all election-related officials, the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and domestic and international media and observers.
Tarique Rahman expressed deep respect for those who were martyred or injured in the movement to es-tablish democracy over this long period from the Liberation War of 1971 to the war to protect the free-dom of the country and its people in 2024. He prayed for salvation of their departed souls.
He asserted, “My statement is clear: peace and order must be maintained at any cost. No injustice or ille-gal activities will be tolerated.”
He further said, “Regardless of party, opinion, religion, or caste, attacks by the powerful on the weak will not be accepted under any pretext. Justice will be the ideal. If the rule of law is not established, all our efforts will go in vain.”
Tarique Rahman once again congratulated and thanked all democratic forces, expatriate Bangladeshis, and the freedom-loving people across the country for the victory.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Dr Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain, Nazrul Islam Khan, Gayeshwar Chan-dra Roy, Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Selima Rahman, Salahuddin Ahmed, Sul-tan Salauddin Mahmud Tuku, among others were present during the press conference.
Journalists from the local and foreign media joined the press conference. After concluding the written speech Tarique Rahman and other senior leaders answered to questions from the journalists.
