BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday claimed that the Election Commission (EC) has taken some controversial steps, though he did not specify what those steps were.
He made the remarks during a discussion with family members of individuals who were victims of enforced disappearances, killings, and torture under the previous governments.
The meeting was held at the China-Bangladesh Friendship International Conference Center in the capital.
The event was jointly organized by Mayer Dak and Amra BNP Paribar and attracted family members of victims from across the country. At the start of the program, Tarique exchanged greetings with participants and comforted relatives who were tearful.
“Due to the obligations of the Election Commission, BNP cannot reveal in detail its plans for the future of Bangladesh. However, the EC has taken some controversial steps. In this situation, we want to demonstrate patience as a political party,” he said.
The BNP chairman also warned against attempts to obstruct the democratic process. “Many people are speaking in various ways to hinder the journey of democracy. BNP leaders and activists must remain vigilant. If the opportunity to establish democracy is lost this time, it would be a disrespect to the martyrs. The nightmarish situation of abductions and killings of the past has ended. In the future, BNP will stand by the families of the victims,” he said.
Reflecting on the hardships faced by victims’ families, he added: “In past days, we went through a very difficult period. Today, many children have spoken here about their mothers. Among us are children who have not even seen their fathers once. Perhaps their difficult times will ease, but many will continue to live with the pain of their abducted relatives.”
Highlighting BNP activists’ long-standing efforts, Tarique Rahman said: “If one brother in a family was tortured, another came out to the streets. BNP leaders and activists have never operated in secret under the guise of strategy. Therefore, no future conspiracy against us will succeed.”
Emotional moments followed as relatives of victims recounted how their loved ones were taken from homes, offices, or streets, with many still unaware of their fate. Several children brought photos of their fathers and broke down in tears upon seeing Tarique Rahman, hugging him tightly. Tarique Rahman himself could not hold back tears and comforted them by stroking their heads.
Other speakers at the program included BNP Standing Committee member Salauddin Ahmed, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Treasurer and We Are BNP Family advisor Rashiduzzaman Millat, the wife of missing Ilias Ali, Tahsina Rushdi Luna, BNP Co-Secretary for Mass Education Anisur Rahman Talukdar Khokon, National Executive Committee member Hummam Qader Chowdhury, We Are BNP Family convener Atikur Rahman Rumon, and Mother’s Call coordinator Sanjida Islam Tuli.
