BNP never went underground despite killings, torture: Tarique Rahman

Despite horrific circumstances such as enforced disappearances, killings and torture, BNP leaders and activists never went into hiding or adopted covert tactics in the name of strategy, BNP chairperson Tarique Rahman has said. He stated that no party whose workers remain uncompromising against injustice can be suppressed through conspiracy or propaganda.

He made the remarks at an exchange meeting with family members of victims of enforced disappearances, killings and torture at the Bangladesh–China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital on Saturday, January 17. The programme was jointly organised by “Mayer Dak” and “Amra BNP Paribar”.

Tarique Rahman said he had long been forced to stay away from the country, his family, and party leaders and activists. However, even from a distance, he tried as much as possible to remain involved in movements against authoritarianism and to stand beside families who lost loved ones. Despite limitations, he said, BNP has consistently tried to remain beside oppressed people.

Referring to the fascist regime, he said thousands of BNP leaders and activists were subjected to enforced disappearances, torture and killings. During the anti-fascist movement, more than 150,000 BNP leaders and activists were falsely charged in cases, placing a legal burden on nearly six million party members. Many were forced to remain homeless and separated from their families for long periods.

He added that although anti-government movements sometimes intensified and sometimes subsided, BNP activists never compromised with injustice. He assured that a future democratic government would have a special responsibility towards families of victims of disappearances and killings.

Mentioning that BNP acted responsibly despite the controversial role of the Election Commission, Tarique Rahman said the party has a clear plan regarding families affected by disappearances, killings and torture. Government installations would be named in memory of martyrs so that future generations do not forget their sacrifices.

At the event, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, speaking about a tour of northern Bangladesh, said BNP had suspended programmes at the request of the Election Commission in the interest of peace. This should be seen not as weakness but as civility, he said, alleging that despite this, the Election Commission and a political party were trying to question the election process through various tactics.