Tarique stresses people’s unity for democracy 

Calling for unity among democratic forces, BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Saturday warned against renewed attempts to undermine people's voting rights, freedom of speech and democratic institutions.

He said the people of Bangladesh had defeated conspirators in 1971, November 7, 1975, 1990 and during the mass uprising of 2024, and would do so again.

Tarique made the remarks at a brief rally in front of the BNP's central office in Naya Paltan before joining a procession marking the historic National Revolution and Solidarity Day.

At 3:00 PM, the Prime Minister stepped onto a temporary stage set up in front of the BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan and delivered a speech.

Present on the stage were several central leaders, including the party’s Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi; Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, AZM Zahid Hossain, and Farhad Halim Donar; as well as Vice-Chairman Ahmed Azam Khan.

Tarique alleged that certain groups were again conspiring to undermine Bangladesh's sovereignty and restore a system of sham elections.

Calling for unity, he urged people who believe in democracy to stand together against conspiracies, whether they originate at home or abroad.

“Let us unite with all those in Bangladesh who cherish democracy to confront and defeat any conspiracy whether it originates from within the country or from abroad,” he said.

He added that no conspiracy could suppress the people of Bangladesh or those who believe in democracy.

Tarique said November 7 was a day of national unity and a reminder of the need to protect the country's independence, sovereignty and freedom of expression.

Thousands of BNP leaders and activists gathered in Naya Paltan from the morning, arriving in processions from different police stations and wards across Dhaka and neighbouring districts.

After noon, the number of participants increased sharply, turning the road from Kakrail intersection to Fakirapul into a sea of people.

They carried national and party flags, banners, festoons and placards bearing images of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, former prime minister Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman. Many also wore colourful caps and T-shirts.

After his speech, Tarique joined the procession on foot. It started from in front of the BNP's central office at around 3:15pm.

The procession passed through Kakrail, Hare Road, the InterContinental intersection, Bangla Motor, Karwan Bazar, Farmgate and Bijoy Sarani before reaching Manik Mia Avenue at around 4:30pm.

There, Tarique delivered a brief concluding speech from a truck.

A large number of leaders and activists from the party's affiliated organisations, including Sramik Dal, Krishak Dal and Swechasebak Dal, took part in the procession.

A contingent featuring five horse-drawn carriages and an elephant also joined the procession. It was led by Sheikh Farid Hossain, president of the Dhaka Metropolitan North unit of Jatiyatabadi Swechasebak Dal.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs organised an open-air concert titled 'Concert for Solidarity' at Manik Mia Avenue, with support from the Bangladesh Musical Bands Association (BAMBA) and management by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

Seven popular bands�"Nagar Baul James, Miles, Warfaze, Feedback, Artcell, Shironamhin and Mechanix�"performed at the event.

Apart from Dhaka, BNP organised processions in different districts and metropolitan areas across the country on Saturday.

The party has also scheduled processions at police station and upazila levels for Sunday, November 8.