We must be resolute in restoring the voting rights: Tarique Rahman

After the long period of one-party rule by the Awami League, Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has called upon the people to be resolute in restoring democracy, freedom of speech, and the right to vote, while confronting any conspiracy. He made this call through a post on his verified Facebook account on Friday (January 24).

In his Facebook message, he wrote, "On January 25, 1975, the then Awami League government, with the aim of securing their permanent rule, strangled multi-party democracy and established a one-party system known as 'Baksal.' In the process of establishing this system, they passed the inhumane medieval Fourth Amendment Law, ignoring opposing views in the National Parliament. At that time, they banned all newspapers and issued an order to maintain only four newspapers loyal to them. The long-standing struggles of the people, which had achieved freedom and democracy, were trampled, and a horrific anarchy spread across the country."

He further wrote, "In their delusional dream of prolonging one-party barbaric rule, they did not hesitate to jeopardize the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of the country. They never adhered to civil norms in their treatment of the opposition. During that time, jails were the only destination for the opposition, while the anti-democratic and unpopular illegal Awami League government was forced to flee the country on August 5 after facing a combined, relentless movement by students and the public."

Finally, he said, "Now, the people must be resolute in confronting any conspiracy to restore democracy, freedom of speech, individual liberty, and the right to vote."