Tarique calls on BNP activists to join ‘election battle’

He says the plan to rebuild the country would need public support to become reality

Tarique Rahman, the BNP’s acting chairperson, has called on party leaders and activists to take to the field together to face what he described as an impending “election battle”.

He made the appeal on Thursday afternoon while speaking virtually at a workshop titled “Plan to Rebuild the Country”.

Addressing grassroots leaders from across Bangladesh, he said: “You are tested; despite severe repression and persecution, you have held this party together. From the conspiracy of 1/11 to the 15-year conspiracy of the last autocratic rule -- you have faced everything.

“Why then can you not face the coming election battle? Your party’s plan is centred on the people and the country -- why can you not present it to the public? You can do this if you choose to, and you must do it.”

Tarique added, “To turn the plan to rebuild the country into reality, we need the support of the people. And to bring that support behind the party, your dedicated effort and initiative are essential.

“Let us take that initiative. May I expect that each of you will return to your areas and begin this work?”

The workshop, organised by the BNP, was held at the Krishibid Institute auditorium in Farmgate, bringing together leaders from different tiers of the party nationwide.

The workshop began Dec 7, with leaders of different party wings participating each day.