Tarique sees 'conspiracy to discredit' Bangladesh Army

He calls for collective vigilance and effort to overcome the ongoing challenges

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said the ongoing discussions to rehabilitate the Awami League, along with recent developments, are part of a “conspiracy” to discredit the army and pit it against the public.

Speaking virtually at an Iftar on Tuesday evening, he discussed the current political situation in the Bangladesh.

Tarique said, “We have seen in the past how the dictator has destroyed every state institution. Right now, we are witnessing an attempt to discredit our army—the symbol of Bangladesh's sovereignty—and create a rift between the military and the public."

The BNP leader added, "Just a few days ago, we saw efforts to pit reforms against elections. In the same way, there is an attempt to turn the people against the army.

“We can clearly understand that there is undoubtedly some conspiracy. If we, every patriotic individual, stay vigilant and determined, we will certainly be able to confront and overcome this conspiracy."

On Thursday, during a discussion with Comfort Ero, president and CEO of the International Crisis Group (ICG) at the Jamuna State Guest House, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus said the interim government has no plans to ban the Awami League.

He, however, clarified that the leaders of the party facing charges of murder and crimes against humanity would be brought to justice in Bangladesh’s courts.

Following his statement, Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organiser of the National Citizen Party (NCP), raised allegations on Facebook that there was “pressure from the military administration” to rehabilitate the Awami League.

Hasnat’s remarks sparked intense discussions in the political arena. Following this, Local Government Advisor Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain also claimed that the army chief Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman “did not want” Yunus to become the chief advisor.

The following day, in a press conference, NCP Convenor Nahid Islam said: "The army or any state institution has no authority to make any proposals or decisions regarding politics."

Amid the conundrum, the Awami League’s student front Bangladesh Chhatra League took out a procession condemning the interim administration.

On Monday's event at the Dhaka Ladies Club in Dhaka’s Eskaton, Tarique said: “I can easily understand that a certain group is engaged in their conspiracy. If we work together, we will be able to confront this conspiracy.

He also added that the people of the country expect the establishment of democratic rights and a return to stability in Bangladesh.