Tarique Rahman will return and lead the nation: Fakhrul

DBNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday expressed strong optimism about the return of the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, saying the nation is waiting for his leadership ahead of the upcoming national elections.

Speaking as the chief guest at a rally organized by the BNP's student wing, Chhatra Dal, in Dhaka’s Shahbagh area to mark the anniversary of the 2023 mass uprising, Fakhrul said, “The entire country is waiting. The elections are expected in February, and before that, the people of Bangladesh hope our leader, Tarique Rahman, will return home. Don’t we all want that? He will come back, lead us, and show us the way.”

Fakhrul launched a blistering attack on Sheikh Hasina, accusing her of seeking refuge in neighboring India and issuing threats against Bangladesh from there. “Fascist Hasina has taken shelter in India. From there, she is threatening to attack Bangladesh and is trying to incite unrest here through various means,” he claimed.

He added that the country is now at a turning point and called for a renewed effort to establish a democratic Bangladesh. “We have an opportunity to rebuild the nation. From this student gathering, I proudly declare myself a friend of the students,” he said.

Warning of attempts to divide the country, the BNP leader urged all anti-fascist forces to remain united in the face of political challenges.

Addressing Chhatra Dal members, Fakhrul called for a firm commitment to resist authoritarianism. “From today’s rally, let us take an oath that we will never again allow fascist Hasina to engage in politics in this country. Let us pledge that we will never bow to anyone. We must build ourselves as self-reliant citizens,” he said.