Tarique Rahman voices concern over rising mob violence: Saiful Haque

Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque on Sunday said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday expressed concern over mob violence and the growing insecurity of people’s lives and property.

“He is worried about mob violence and the insecurity of people’s lives and property. He has delivered a message of peace and harmony among the people and spoken about taking the country forward towards unity and solidarity,” Haque said while talking to reporters after meeting Tarique at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office in the afternoon.

He said they had a 30-minute meeting with the BNP leader, during which they discussed various important issues and the country’s latest political situation.

“The important issue we discussed is that political competition and debate will continue. But this should not turn into any form of violence or a culture of conflict. We must not divide the nation again. Any division or conflict would further undermine the possibilities of progress, which have already been significantly damaged,” Haque said.

The Revolutionary Workers Party leader said their discussion also focused on how political parties can build new bridges of unity among the people, and that Tarique Rahman is working on this and will continue to do so.

“Another topic we discussed was the ongoing mob violence and the insecurity of people’s lives and property. He (Tarique) said he is seriously considering whether a message of peace can be delivered to the people, such as through a peace rally or any peace programme,” Haque said.

He said Tarique will also discuss the matter within his party and consult with other members to address the current uneasy situation. “The main focus of our discussion was how to restore public trust and confidence and send a message of peace and harmony to the people amid the current difficult situation.”

Haque said they also discussed the upcoming 13th parliamentary election and the need for all democratic forces to participate in the polls in a united manner to ensure the continuation of the country’s democratic journey. “Various election-related issues were discussed, including the 31-point proposal for reforming the state structure.”

He said his party expressed condolences to Tarique and his family and acknowledged the importance of carrying forward Khaleda Zia’s political vision, commitment to democracy, and pluralist political culture.

Earlier, Haque also signed the condolence book opened in memory of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia

Members of the Revolutionary Workers Party’s central committee, including Bohnishikha Jamali and Akbar Khan, were present during the meeting.

Saiful Haque, as an alliance partner of BNP, is contesting the election from the Dhaka-12 constituency.

Haque added Tarique Rahman also inquired about preparations in Dhaka-12 and assured cooperation, encouraging unity among BNP leaders and activists to support the alliance candidate.

He said Tarique Rahman has assured that he will personally visit Dhaka-12 during formal campaigning and later other constituencies, reaching out to voters across the country.