Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party), has accused the ousted Awami League government of repeatedly using the “minority card” to cover up their misdeeds and create instability in the country. He made these remarks while addressing party leaders and activists from the Chittagong and Barisal divisions in an online meeting from London on Tuesday.
Tarique Rahman stated, “There has been a lot of political play with the minority card. It is a sensitive issue involving minority-majority dynamics, and many have tried to exploit fabricated stories of persecution for political gain, both domestically and internationally. Everyone knows who has repeatedly done this.” He firmly declared that this old tactic will not be allowed to be repeated in the country again.
Calling on BNP leaders and activists to stand against the conspiracy to destroy communal harmony, Tarique Rahman said, “Let us either bury these divisive tactics once and for all or burn them to ashes.” He emphasized that in Bangladesh, followers of one religion have traditionally protected the places of worship of other religions from those conspiring to destroy religious harmony.
He further stated, “We all have a common identity—we are all Bangladeshis. This must be demonstrated not just in words but through actions whenever necessary.” On the topic of restructuring the state framework, he noted, “Almost two years ago, BNP and like-minded parties presented a 31-point program demanding constitutional reform and the establishment of people’s rights, which remains open to amendment and refinement.”
Highlighting that the ultimate victory is still far away, Tarique Rahman cautioned the party members, “This is not the time for complacency. If grassroots leaders and activists continue to trust and support the party as they have during times of crisis, BNP will be able to present a new Bangladesh to the people.”
He also expressed that “BNP has gained the trust of the people through the patriotism of the late President Ziaur Rahman, the sacrifices of Begum Khaleda Zia, and the dedication of countless leaders and activists. We will not allow the actions of a few misguided individuals to destroy this achievement.”
Additionally, due to controversial actions, the committee of South Chittagong has been dissolved, and a show-cause notice has been issued to Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed. Mymensingh South District BNP Joint Convener Fakhruddin Ahmed has been expelled and sued. Standing Committee members Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, and Selima Rahman also spoke at the meeting.
