BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Wednesday alleged that a “new group of oppressors” has emerged in the country, accusing members of what he described as a “secret political party” of engaging in repression and using derogatory language against women.
He made the remarks while addressing an election rally at the Bells Park ground in Barisal city as the chief guest.
Highlighting women’s role in national development, Tarique Rahman said men and women in Bangladesh work side by side across all sectors, noting that women play a vital role in agriculture and have been instrumental in sustaining the country’s garment industry.
“Yet leaders of this so-called secret political party are openly using offensive language about women,” he said, adding that although the group claims to practise Islamic politics, such language cannot be justified.
He said no country could expect progress from a political party that fails to respect women or recognise the sacrifices of its leaders and activists. Emphasising women’s position in society, he added that development would be impossible if half of the population were confined to their homes.
At a separate public rally organised by Faridpur District BNP at the Government Rajendra College field, Tarique Rahman accused the Awami League of looting the country under the guise of development over the past 17 years and urged citizens to remain vigilant against what he described as ongoing conspiracies ahead of the February 12 national election.
“Although I was not in the country for 17 years, I heard a lot of development had taken place. In reality, I saw plunder under the name of development,” he said.
Warning of a “deep conspiracy,” he said: “If we can stop this on February 12, from February 13, the people’s rule will be restored.”
Appealing to voters to support the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol, he said it was time to properly exercise rights that had been taken away, pledging job creation for the unemployed if the party came to power.
He also addressed local development demands, saying BNP leaders in Faridpur had called for upgrading the district to a city corporation and declaring it a division. “If we come to power through your votes, these demands will be fulfilled,” he said.
Referring to the July incidents, including disappearances, killings, and injuries, Tarique Rahman said victims had hoped to regain rights that were taken away over the past 16 years. He added that the February 12 election would allow people to choose their preferred representatives to lead the country.
Outlining broader development priorities, he said the country must now focus on rebuilding through the establishment of new schools and colleges, development of mills and factories, excavation of canals, dredging of rivers, and construction of cold storage facilities for farmers.
Calling for public vigilance, the BNP chairperson also referred to remarks allegedly made by a leader of the group in Comilla, who reportedly urged supporters to “hold the people’s feet until February 12,” warning that consequences would follow after the election.
“People must consider what kind of country this would become if such forces were elected,” he added.
The Faridpur rally was presided over by district BNP convener Modarsher Ali Ichar. BNP Organisational Secretary Shama Obaid, Khandakar Mashukur Rahman Mashuk, Chowdhury Nayeb Yusuf, and Shahidul Islam Babul, among others, were present.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is set to roll out its election manifesto Friday, outlining eight key pledges it says will guide the country if it returns to power, with a focus on tackling corruption, strengthening good governance and promoting economic freedom.
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will formally unveil the manifesto at 3:00pm at Sonargaon Hotel in the capital, said his press secretary Saleh Shibly Wednesday night.
