National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has said that BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s return to the country after 17 years reflects a positive outcome of Bangladesh’s democratic struggle.
He made the remarks in a post on his verified Facebook account on Thursday.
In the post, Nahid wrote that Tarique Rahman and his family were subjected to state repression due to political differences of opinion, which forced him into prolonged exile. He said the current circumstances—created through a mass uprising and the sacrifices of thousands of martyrs—have made it possible for Tarique Rahman and his family to return home.
Nahid said they envision a Bangladesh founded on democratic values, where no political leader in the future will face state oppression because of differing political views.
He added that after breaking free from what he described as a stifled political environment over the past decade and a half, the country is now moving toward a free Bangladesh, with ensuring the rule of law and political rights for every citizen remaining the core objective.
Welcoming Tarique Rahman’s return, the NCP convener said he believes it will further strengthen the practice of multiparty democracy in Bangladesh. He emphasized that in the new political reality, building a culture of coexistence and healthy political competition is the primary challenge.
He also expressed hope that Tarique Rahman’s participation will be meaningful in shaping the country’s democratic future.
