The Bangladesh Nationalist Party warned that certain anti-fascist allies might be inadvertently undermining opportunities to establish democracy, justice, and the rule of law.聽
If the BNP comes to power, the party would work to establish a harmonious and prosperous Bangladesh, irrespective of its people鈥檚 religion or ethnicity, said BNP acting chair Tarique Rahman.
He was virtually speaking at a conference of Hindu community representatives, organised by the Matua Bahujan Samaj Oikyo Jote at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh at Farmgate in the capital on Saturday.
Tarique reminded that during the 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 progress towards a democratic transition.
Tarique urged the interim government and all democratic and anti-fascist forces to stay alert and maintain聽 a vigilant oversight of such manoeuvres.
Tarique said that if the country became unstable it could pave the way for the rehabilitation of the defeated and fugitive forces.
One of the key strategies to guard against the covert tactics of August 5 evil forces, which aim to destabilise the country, was to maintain and uphold national unity against fascism, he said.
This is the reason, he further said, the BNP has consistently pursued 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 interim government was to establish a democratic Bangladesh -- accountable to the people and responsible to them through elections.
Saying that it is not the job of the current government at all to implement the interests of any political party, he commented that that was why the BNP, not pressurising the government, had submitted notes of dissent in the consensus commission.
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 could ensure the safety and security of every citizen, regardless of religion, caste, or political affiliation.
He viewed that the interim government鈥檚 decision to hold the Jatiya Sangsad polls in February presented a significant opportunity for all citizens -- regardless of faith -- to exercise their right to vote freely.
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.
In this regard he observed that no group 鈥� Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, left, right, or non-believer 鈥� was safe during that period.
He also outlined the BNP鈥檚 detailed plans for national development, aimed at fostering harmony and prosperity throughout Bangladesh.
The key initiatives, he mentioned, include issuing 50 lakh family cards for women from economically disadvantaged households, providing support and farm cards to small and marginal farmers.
They also include, he added, addressing youth unemployment through technical training, language education, and creating job placement opportunities both domestically and abroad.
Tarique stressed 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.