Published : 05 Aug 2025, 09:26 PM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 01:36 PM
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman says he is convinced that no one will be allowed to “kill democracy and establish fascism” in Bangladesh.
He made the remarks in a video addressed to the nation on the anniversary of the July-August mass uprising.
"An unprecedented national unity against fascism has been established on the streets that are soaked in the blood of thousands of martyrs. Fascism will never take root in Bangladesh again, In Sha Allah. No one will be given the chance to kill democracy," he said.
"Bangladesh will never be allowed to become a subservient state again, In Sha Allah. I think these questions will remain a part of our national unity, In Sha Allah."
He continued, "Today and every August 5th in the future should be a day of commitment to establishing democracy, good governance, and becoming humane people."
“In the long journey towards implementing this great promise, my party BNP, and I expect the support and cooperation of all the democratic people of the country.”
‘DIFFERENCES ARE THE BEAUTY OF DEMOCRACY’
In a fascism-free Bangladesh, there will be differences on issues between political parties seeking to implement their party ideology and goals, according to him. "That is not conflict, but rather the beauty of democracy."
“However, I humbly appeal to every political party and those who believe in democracy to take care so that these differences of opinion or disagreements do not rise to the level of fascism, radicalism, extremism, unrest or exoneration… In this regard, I think that every political party will present its party manifesto or agenda to the judgment of the people. It is entirely the right of the people to decide which one to accept and which one to reject. In this way, the state and the people must be strengthened through daily political practice.”
‘POWER OF THE PEOPLE MUST BE ESTABLISHED’
The BNP's de facto leader believes it is imperative that people at every level, from local government to the national parliament, directly elect their preferred candidates by exercising their voting rights to restore democracy.
"Let us strengthen the people politically by creating opportunities for the people to exercise their democratic political rights in the management of the state government and in their daily activities. In the end, if we cannot strengthen the people, nothing will be strong or sustainable.’’
‘NOT ACCEPTABLE TO DEFEND FASCISTS’
Tarique said, "There is no comparison between the fascist movement of the past one and a half decades, aside from the three and a half years after independence. Therefore, I would like to humbly appeal to everyone that, just as no one takes pride in Hitler's Nazism, there is nothing to be proud of in the regime of the fugitive fascists."
Just as it is not acceptable to rob people while giving trifles to charity, it is also not acceptable to criticise the interim government by comparisons to the Awami League regime, he said.
'WE ARE INDEBTED TO THE MARTYRS'
While the war in 1971 was fought to achieve Bangladesh's independence, the 2024 uprising was about safeguarding that independence, according to Tarique.
"Bangladesh has not forgotten the martyred freedom fighters of 1971. Bangladesh will not forget the martyrs in the mass uprising of 2024. From 1971 to today, millions of people have been martyred in our history to achieve the independence of our country and its people, to protect that independence, to oppose tyranny and fascism, and in fighting to re-establish democracy. On this day, I once again remember the contributions of all these martyrs with respect. I pray to Allah for the speedy recovery of the injured."
“We are indebted to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the independence and rights of the country and its people. Now it is our turn to repay our debt to them. All of Bangladesh is with the families of the martyrs. Only by establishing equality, human dignity, and social justice and by ensuring the political and economic power of the people of the country and by forming a just, democratic, and humane Bangladesh, can we repay this debt.”
He also condemned the Awami League’s persecution of political parties, organisations, individuals and citizens, and its involvement in enforced disappearances, murders, and imprisonment in false cases.
