‘Have a plan to build safer Bangladesh,’ Tarique says in homecoming speech

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday said the party’s goal is to build a safer Bangladesh where every citizen can leave home and return without fear, stressing unity, democracy and equal rights for all.

Speaking at the start of his address at a public reception on the 300 Feet Road in the capital on December 25, Rahman said the vision is to create the kind of Bangladesh a mother dreams of a country that guarantees security and dignity for women, men and children alike.

Rahman said he was grateful to be back in his homeland and among the people, recalling that Bangladesh was achieved in 1971 through the blood of martyrs and later protected through popular movements, including the November 7, 1975 uprising against domination. He said people from all walks of life have repeatedly resisted authoritarianism to reclaim democratic rights, though conspiracies against the country have continued.

Referring to recent events, Rahman said that just as the nation won independence in 1971, people from all sections of society students, farmers, workers, homemakers, women and men, including madrasa students united on August 5, 2024 to safeguard Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.

He said Bangladeshis want their right to speak freely restored, their democratic rights returned and fair opportunities based on merit. Calling for collective nation-building, Rahman highlighted the country’s diversity, noting that people from the hills and plains and followers of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity all live together in Bangladesh.

Rahman said women make up half of the population, with more than 40 million young people, around 50 million children, nearly four million persons with disabilities and millions of farmers and workers, all of whom have expectations from the state. He said unity and commitment can help fulfill those aspirations, recalling that many people, including political activists, were victims of enforced disappearances and killings during years of struggle against authoritarian rule.

Tarique Rahman arrived at the reception venue at 3:50 pm, where BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir formally welcomed him on behalf of party leaders and activists.