Loss of rights over 15-years has fueled intolerance: Tarique Rahman

BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman has said that losing all democratic and political rights as citizens over the past 15 years has created a kind of intolerance in many people.

He stated, “Overcoming this wave of intolerance and developing oneself as a humane person, attaining humanity, and abandoning animalistic instincts—this should be our pledge.”

He made these remarks virtually while participating in an exhibition titled "The Fair of Life and Living Beings" held on Saturday (September 13) at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka. The exhibition was organized by the Bangladesh Animal Welfare Association.

Tarique Rahman said, when people show compassion towards animals and ensure safe habitats for them, it reflects the maturity of human society and a higher moral standard. Therefore, humans must protect animals according to their needs and preserve their natural habitats.

He further stated, “Personally, I believe that just as the relationship between democracy and human rights is important, the rights of animals and wildlife in the ecosystem are equally important. If democracy and good governance are established in the state and politics, the ecosystem will also be safeguarded.”

At the event, he gave the slogan: "Save lives, save animals—let the country be a safe haven for all living beings."

Highlighting the importance of wildlife, he noted that frogs help control the spread of mosquitoes by eating Aedes larvae—a natural solution. Hence, especially in urban areas, it is crucial to establish safe habitats for frogs.

Quoting an international survey, he said Bangladesh once had over 1,600 species of animals, of which nearly 300 are now on the verge of extinction. Not only in Bangladesh, but in many parts of the world, numerous species are under threat due to human activities. In the 1980s, the Sundarbans had over 400 tigers, but now the number is close to 100. The number of elephants has dropped below 200.

He mentioned several laws in place, such as the Animal Welfare Act 2019, Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act, Biodiversity Protection Act, Environmental Development Act, Environmental Protection Act, and the Climate Change Trust Act. He pledged that, if given the opportunity to govern through the people’s mandate, the BNP would update these laws as necessary. Many of them, he said, require amendments.

The event was presided over by Bangladesh Animal Welfare Association’s convener and film actor Adnan Azad. Other speakers included BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Chairperson’s advisor and Jugantor editor Abdul Hai Shikder, BNP treasurer Rashiduzzaman Millat, Assistant Secretary for Local Government Affairs Shammi Akhtar, Professor Dr. Abdul Latif of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Professor Dr. Monowar Hossain Tuhin of Jahangirnagar University’s Zoology Department, former Bangladesh national cricket team captain Tamim Iqbal Khan, Bangladesh Animal Welfare Association’s chief organizer Atikur Rahman Rumon, Abul Hasan Morshed, Imon Dipanwita Ridi, actress Airin Sultana, Rahima Anjum Pushpo, Engineer Abul Hanif, among others.