BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has urged party leaders and activists to remain vigilant so that no one can conspire against the people’s right to vote.
Speaking virtually on Wednesday afternoon at the triennial conference of the BNP’s Patuakhali district unit, Rahman emphasized that Bangladesh’s estimated 125 million voters must be able to freely express their will through the ballot. “We want to ensure that the growing number of voters in Bangladesh can cast their votes without fear. We must stay alert so that no one can hatch plots against this system,” he said.
Rahman highlighted that countless BNP leaders and activists have sacrificed their lives, endured torture, or become permanently disabled while fighting for people’s voting rights. “This hard-earned right must be protected at all costs,” he added.
Earlier in the day, the conference was inaugurated with the hoisting of the national and party flags by BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo.
Addressing party members, Rahman said that as representatives of Bangladesh’s largest political party, each leader and activist has a duty to strengthen the foundations of democracy and act in the national interest. He cautioned them to avoid any activity that could damage the party’s image. “When people know you are a BNP leader or activist, they naturally develop certain expectations. We must live up to those,” he said. “Stay close to the people, work with them, and keep their trust.”
Rahman further noted that truly representing the people requires accountability. “We must be able to answer how we plan to support farmers, students, women, and how we will reform the country’s health, education, justice, and law enforcement systems. These answers must be communicated to the public.”
Reflecting on the past year, Rahman said that just a year ago, the nation was under the grip of autocracy. “But people ousted that regime because their expectations were not met by its leaders and activists. This is why our main responsibility is to work according to the people’s expectations,” he remarked.
He reminded party members that BNP’s political power originates from the people, a lesson taught by the party’s founder, late President Ziaur Rahman. “Our policies, ideals, goals, and future plans must not remain confined within ourselves. They need to reach the people, who ultimately decide our political future,” he stressed.
Issuing a note of caution, Rahman said, “If you engage in activities in your areas that people do not expect or approve of, every BNP leader and activist will suffer the consequences. As followers of Shaheed Zia, we must refrain from any action that alienates the public.”
The event also featured a cultural program and was chaired by district BNP convener Abdur Rashid Chunnu Mia, with member secretary Snehangshu Sarkar Kutti moderating. It was attended by senior BNP leaders including Vice Chairman Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury and Training Affairs Secretary ABM Mosharraf Hossain, alongside leaders from the central, district, and upazila levels.
