Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday warned that the actions of certain allies within the anti-fascist street movement might inadvertently be creating conditions that undermine opportunities to achieve the broader goal of establishing democracy, justice, and the rule of law.
He said that during past fascist rule, some anti-fascist actors had relied on covert tactics to avoid repression.
He expressed concern that the defeated fascist forces might now be using similar clandestine strategies to obstruct the country鈥檚 path towards democratic transition.
Tarique urged the interim government and all democratic, anti-fascist forces to remain alert and maintain vigilant oversight of such maneuvers.
Speaking at a conference of Hindu community representatives organised by the Matua Bahujan Samaj Oikyo Jote at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in Farmgate, Dhaka, Tarique said that if the country became unstable, it could smooth the path for the rehabilitation of the previously defeated and fugitive fascists.
Tarique said that one of the main strategies to guard against the covert tactics of the defeated and fugitive forces of August 5, which aim to destabilise the country, was to maintain and uphold national unity against fascism.
He said that this was the reason the BNP had consistently pursued a vision of cooperation and alliance with the interim government and the allies of the anti-fascist movement on the streets.
Tarique said that one of the principal duties of the current interim government was to establish a democratic Bangladesh, accountable to the people and responsible to them through elections.
He said that, of course, it was not the job of the current government to implement the interests of any political party, and that was why the BNP, rather than putting pressure on the government, had submitted a note of dissent in the consensus commission, which the party considered its way of expressing dissent.
Tarique emphasised that in a country free from fascism, no individual 鈥� whether a member of a minority or majority community 鈥� can rely solely on their religious, ethnic, or political identity for protection.
He said that only justice and the rule of law can ensure the safety and security of every citizen, regardless of religion, caste, or political affiliation.
He said that the current interim government鈥檚 decision to hold national elections in February presented a significant opportunity for all citizens, regardless of faith, to exercise their right to vote freely and choose their preferred candidates.
BNP acting chairman said that respect for the state, society, and the law was paramount, and that citizens did not need to be affiliated with any particular political party to safeguard their rights, as long as they adhered to the country鈥檚 constitution and laws.
Recalling past attacks under the previous authoritarian regime, including the 2012 Ramu temple incident and the 2016 Nasirnagar attacks, Tarique criticised the lack of credible investigations and justice, saying that no group鈥擬uslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, left, right, or non-believer鈥攚as safe during that period.
He also outlined the BNP鈥檚 detailed plans for national development, aimed at fostering harmony and prosperity across Bangladesh.
Key initiatives include issuing family cards in the names of women from 50 lakh economically disadvantaged households, providing support and farm cards to small and marginal farmers, and addressing youth unemployment through technical training, language education, and job placement opportunities both domestically and abroad.
Tarique concluded by appealing for citizens鈥� support in the upcoming national election, stressing that religious identities should not be exploited for political gain.
He called on all Bangladeshis to remain vigilant, act as equals in this independent nation, and prioritise the country and people鈥檚 interests above individual or party agendas.
