BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday called for stringent legal measures against those responsible for repeatedly undermining Bangladesh’s constitution by establishing illegitimate governments and parliaments.
Speaking at a Buddha Purnima event hosted by BNP at its Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Tarique stated, “There must be accountability. Those who have consistently defied the constitution and formed illegal regimes must face the consequences under the law.”
Addressing members of the Buddhist community, he reiterated that the people of Bangladesh strongly oppose any return of those he described as "fugitive, autocratic, and oppressive elements" associated with enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, financial crimes, and state-sponsored torture operations such as the alleged 'Aynaghar' facility.
Tarique emphasized that two core demands now unite the public: preserving Bangladesh’s sovereignty from foreign influence and permanently barring the resurgence of anti-democratic forces.
“The public sentiment is crystal clear—there can be no compromise on these issues. Every democratic party, including the BNP, supports these demands wholeheartedly,” he said.
Highlighting BNP's vision for the future, Tarique underscored the party’s objective to restore democratic governance through direct electoral mandate. He urged citizens to remain vigilant against any plots to manipulate elections or suppress voting rights.
“Until democracy is fully restored, it is vital that no one is allowed to steal the people's right to vote,” he added.
Tarique also reminded attendees that true democracy remains the global gold standard for establishing humane and just societies. He argued that any political force that tramples on democratic rights must be seen as anti-people and anti-state.
While noting BNP's ongoing cooperation with the interim government, Tarique pressed for greater transparency from the administration. “A publicly declared roadmap will prevent confusion, misinformation, and suspicion,” he stressed.
Turning his attention to communal harmony, the BNP leader called for greater media scrutiny of past incidents involving violence against religious minorities, specifically pointing to attacks in Ramu, Nasirnagar, Rangpur, Gaibandha, and Sunamganj.
He proposed the formation of a multi-religious Citizens' Investigation Commission, should BNP come to power, to probe such incidents from the last fifteen years and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Every citizen’s foremost identity is as a Bangladeshi,” he said. “The BNP firmly believes in upholding equal rights for all, regardless of religious or cultural differences.”
Tarique concluded by extending warm greetings to the Buddhist community on the occasion of Buddha Purnima, reaffirming the party’s commitment to protecting religious freedom and social harmony in Bangladesh.
