Tarique Urges Public to Back BNP Reform Plans

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has called for public support to help the party implement reform proposals, following the interim government’s unveiling of a roadmap for the next general election.

Virtually addressing a rally in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office on Wednesday, marking the first anniversary of the July Uprising, Tarique said the party had already presented its vision on how it would govern if entrusted with state power.

He noted that the interim government had proposed reforms in consultation with democratic parties, adding that BNP seeks public backing to implement these programmes for the welfare of the country and its people.

Tarique welcomed the government’s announcement of an election timeframe aimed at establishing a democratic administration in a “fascist-free Bangladesh,” as well as the unveiling of the July Charter to implement people’s will.

He described the current period as a historic moment for democracy-loving citizens, who have long struggled to secure political and democratic rights. Recalling the repressive acts of the previous regime, he said over 1,500 people were killed during the 2024 mass uprising alone.

“This is an opportunity to ensure political harmony, empower citizens politically and economically, and prevent any return to fascism,” he said, urging people of all backgrounds to stand for their rights and the safety of future generations.

Tarique warned that without democracy and the rule of law, no citizen—regardless of gender, religion, or ethnicity—would be safe. He stressed that democratic rights, earned through bloodshed, must be properly implemented and practised.

Acknowledging differences among political parties, he said disputes should be resolved through dialogue, with unity maintained on matters of national interest.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee Members Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Salahuddin Ahmed, and Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi also addressed the rally, which concluded with a procession through nearby streets as part of BNP’s month-long commemoration of the 2024 July Uprising.