Tarique Rahman calls for end to mob culture on BNP’s 47th anniversary

On the occasion of the 47th founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), acting Chairman Tarique Rahman extended heartfelt greetings to party leaders, activists, well-wishers, and the people of Bangladesh. In his message, he emphasized the urgent need to end the ongoing culture of mob violence sweeping the country.

In a post on his verified Facebook page on Sunday, Tarique Rahman recalled the party’s founding by the great independence leader, President Ziaur Rahman, on September 1, 1978. He highlighted the party’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s full independence, sovereignty, and the establishment of a permanent multiparty democracy.

“Immediately after independence, a one-party autocratic system was established to perpetuate power, leading to the demise of democracy,” Tarique said. He criticized the post-independence Awami League government for widespread disorder, political killings, and a devastating famine that claimed one million lives. He noted how the then ruling party institutionalized autocracy through BAKSAL, undermining the independence of the judiciary and the press.

Tarique Rahman praised Shaheed Ziaur Rahman for reviving multiparty democracy and securing citizens’ freedoms during his tenure. He noted BNP’s historic role in leading Bangladesh to prosperity and welfare through several fair elections over its 47 years.

Despite multifaceted conspiracies, Tarique said BNP remains a vigilant guardian of the nation’s sovereignty. He lauded the party’s uncompromising role under Begum Khaleda Zia’s leadership in the 1980s mass movement against military dictatorship, which restored democracy in Bangladesh.

Reflecting on BNP’s achievements, Tarique highlighted the party’s liberal ideological foundation and its efforts to expand social security and empower marginalized groups, especially women. He credited BNP governments for remarkable progress in education, health, agriculture, trade, foreign employment, and strengthening the economy.

Thanks to BNP’s governance, Tarique said the country has avoided famine in recent decades, and economic conditions have improved. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to serving the nation while maintaining public trust.

Paying tribute to party members who have sacrificed their lives under political oppression and recent movements, Tarique called for the establishment of true democracy based on the rule of law, freedom of expression, an independent judiciary, and free press. He stressed the urgent need for a democratically elected accountable government.

Concluding his message, Tarique vowed to honor the sacrifices of democracy martyrs by ensuring free and fair elections, good governance, and justice. He condemned mob violence, extrajudicial killings, terrorism, and corruption, calling for an end to the newly emerged violent mob culture that spreads fear across the nation.

“Protecting the people’s rights, alleviating their sufferings, and safeguarding national sovereignty through the revival of multiparty democracy remain BNP’s foremost goals,” he said.