Staff Reporter:
BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday called on the people of Bangladesh to continue their struggle until justice is firmly established across the country.
“We must persist in our efforts until justice and fairness prevail,” he said in a statement issued to mark the occasion of Holy Ashura.
Drawing a historical parallel, the BNP leader likened the brutal oppression carried out by the ruling Awami League to the tyranny of Yazid’s forces. He claimed that over the past 16 years, the “fallen fascist” Awami League government has presided over a regime marked by relentless exploitation and repression.
Tarique further alleged that the autocratic regime has held rigged elections, denied citizens their voting rights, and engaged in enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, acts of terrorism, violence, and the smuggling of national wealth abroad.
“BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia was falsely convicted and sentenced to imprisonment. She was denied proper medical treatment and was pushed to the brink of death,” he added.
Highlighting the historical significance of Ashura, Tarique said that the army of Imam Hussain sacrificed their lives in a battle against those who, blinded by the pursuit of power, had forgotten the values of justice and humanity.
“The martyrdom of Imam Hussain’s followers in Karbala has long served as a beacon of hope and resistance for oppressed people around the world,” he said.
He stressed that the suffering and ultimate sacrifice of Imam Hussain to uphold the principles of Islam continue to inspire people globally.
“The martyrdom of Hazrat Hussain (RA) stands as a profound example of ideological resistance against injustice and tyranny,” Rahman noted. “The unwavering stance of Imam Hussain’s army will forever inspire us with the spirit of resistance – to ensure that no ruthless tyrant can ever rise again.”
Concluding his message, Tarique Rahman said the day of Ashura is one of deep mourning, reverence, and sacrifice. “Imam Hussain’s stand against worldly injustice and corruption has become a timeless symbol of courage – not only for Muslims but for people across the world, including in Bangladesh.”
