BNP will remain patient despite controversial EC role: Tarique Rahman

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged people to remain alert against any attempts to block the country’s democratic transition, saying his party will continue to show restraint despite what he described as the Election Commission’s controversial recent actions.

He made the remarks while speaking at a views-exchange meeting with family members of victims of enforced disappearances, killings and torture during the anti-fascist movement.

Tarique said that although the BNP has faced years of repression, its leaders and activists never went into hiding or adopted secret political strategies.

“Even in the face of enforced disappearances, killings, false cases and torture, BNP leaders and activists stayed on the streets,” he said.

Referring to the Election Commission, Tarique said, “It is painful to say that we have recently seen some controversial roles and positions taken by the EC. Even so, as a responsible political party, we want to show patience.”

Addressing the families of victims, he said future generations must learn from the sacrifices of the martyrs and those who were forcibly disappeared and are still missing. He assured the families that the BNP stands beside them.

Tarique reiterated that if the BNP forms the government with public support, important roads and key state institutions will be named after the martyrs to honour their sacrifice.

He also said families affected by state violence deserve full support from the state.

“I personally believe the state must provide maximum support to these families,” he said, adding that Bangladesh now has an opportunity to build a humane and accountable state.

The programme was organised by Amra BNP Poribar and Mayer Daak at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center.

Warning that some groups are trying to create controversy to derail democracy, Tarique urged people of all political views who believe in democracy to stay vigilant. 

“Those who are trying to destroy the democratic path again must not be allowed to succeed,” he said.

He also recalled the long anti-fascist movement, saying its intensity rose and fell over time, but BNP activists never left the movement. “If one brother was disappeared, another came forward to continue the struggle,” he added.

Tarique expressed confidence that no force can suppress a party whose leaders and activists take a firm stand against injustice.