Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chair Tarique Rahman on Sunday called on people from all walks of life to unite in support of free, fair, and transparent elections, saying that establishing an accountable state was essential for upholding democracy and protecting freedoms of the citizens.
鈥楢ll citizens are the rightful owners of the country, and realising this right requires protecting their voting right,鈥� he said while virtually speaking at an exchange of views with the Jatiya Kabita Parishad at the National Press Club in the capital.
Addressing the poets and writers, Tarique said that their advocacy for freedom of writing, expression, and criticism could only be realised through a system that ensures accountability and this could be achieved solely by protecting citizens鈥� voting rights.
He reaffirmed the BNP鈥檚 commitment to preventing the return of authoritarian rule recently overthrown by the people.
Tarique also stressed the importance of ensuring that the country never succumbs to extremism or radicalism, saying that differences in political ideology or ideals should not undermine this shared goal.
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听He said that all citizens remained united in their unwavering commitment to the nation鈥檚 sovereignty.
Tarique praised the role of poets and writers throughout history in inspiring national consciousness and patriotism.
He said that during the country鈥檚 Liberation War, poetry and patriotic songs motivated freedom fighters and provided encouragement amid hardship.
Since the independence, literary figures have continued to raise awareness and inspire political leadership at critical moments, Tarique said.
The event, presided over by Jatiya Kabita Parishad president Mohon Rayhan and moderated by BNP executive committee member Abdus Sattar Patwari, was attended by BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, vice-chair Nurul Islam Moni, BNP acting chair鈥檚 adviser Mahadi Amin, and writer Abu Saeed Khan, among others.
