Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has called for increased vigilance among party members, citing ongoing conspiracies against the BNP both at home and abroad.
He emphasized that the current situation demands greater awareness than ever before.
Speaking as the chief guest via video conference at a meeting with leaders of BNP's Mymensingh South, North, and Metropolitan units held at Town Hall Auditorium, Tarique Rahman highlighted the party’s contributions in various sectors, including women’s safety and agricultural development, during its previous terms in power. He assured that this commitment would continue in the future.
"Since August 5, there has been a shift in the public's mindset. BNP must also adapt to this change. We must remember that BNP has been in opposition and will remain so until the people exercise their voting rights in our favor. Therefore, party leaders and activists need to be cautious in their words and actions to gain public trust," he said.
He reiterated that the people are the source of all power, a slogan championed by BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.
Tarique said: "This should not just be a slogan; every member of the party must truly believe it. Only then can we achieve the desired results. Those who consider themselves clever are living in a fool's paradise. Some think that after the fall of the autocracy, they have no role left to play. This attitude is dangerous."
Rahman also expressed concern over the invisible adversaries the party now faces, which he believes pose a more significant threat than the previous, more visible opposition. He urged party members to remain vigilant and take strategic measures in their respective areas to counter these threats.
He warned about the spread of misinformation against BNP on social media, urging members to stay alert to such activities.
"The fall of the autocracy was just a pretest. Gaining the trust of the people is our real test. We must remember that different types of conspiracies are being waged against our party. Some individuals are infiltrating the party with the intent to create confusion," he said.
Addressing past mistakes made by some within the party, Rahman mentioned that disciplinary actions had been taken and assured that if BNP were in power, legal measures would have been enforced. He echoed the slogan of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia: "Save the people, save the country," and stressed that it is now BNP’s responsibility to protect the people of the country.
He concluded by urging party leaders and activists to prepare themselves accordingly, warning that achieving their goals will be more challenging than in the past and will require them to act as vigilant sentinels in the service of the people.