BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has warned that the recent actions of certain political parties—who once joined hands in the anti-fascist movement—may now be putting the rights and opportunities of the people at risk.
Virtually addressing the ‘Hindu Representative Council 2025’ on Saturday, Tarique emphasized that the interim government’s primary responsibility is to establish a democratic administration through free and fair elections, not to serve any party’s interests.
“The role of some of our allies in the anti-fascist street movement may now be creating a situation that undermines the rights and opportunities of many people in the country, including yours and mine,” Tarique said. “If the country becomes unstable, it may pave the way for the rehabilitation of the fallen, defeated, fugitive fascist forces.”
He urged the interim government and pro-democratic, anti-fascist forces to remain vigilant, warning that defeated fascist elements might use covert tactics—similar to those once used by some opposition members to survive under authoritarian rule—to disrupt the country’s democratic progress.
“The defeated fugitive forces of August 5 should not be allowed to use any party as a cover to secretly create instability in the country. To protect against such covert tactics, our main strategy must be to preserve and strengthen national anti-fascist unity,” he added.
Tarique reaffirmed that BNP remains committed to cooperation and understanding with the interim government and its partners in the anti-fascism movement.
The programme, organized by the Matua community, a Hindu religious sect founded by Harichand Thakur, was held at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in Dhaka.
Describing BNP as a peaceful, tolerant, and people-oriented political party, Tarique said respecting diverse opinions and maintaining constructive dialogue are integral parts of BNP’s political philosophy.
“BNP’s politics is aimed at ensuring the people’s political and economic empowerment,” he said. “In a fascism-free Bangladesh, the interim government must focus on establishing a democratic administration accountable to the people through free and fair elections. It is not the government’s role to serve any party’s interests.”
Tarique noted that BNP believes in expressing constructive dissent rather than applying political pressure when differences arise with the interim government.
Addressing the Hindu community, he said, “The interim government has already announced that the national election will be held in February next year. Through this election, you will freely exercise your right to vote and choose your representatives.”
He assured that BNP has prepared a comprehensive plan for building a harmonious and prosperous Bangladesh, if given the mandate to govern.
“BNP will introduce ‘Family Cards’ for five million low-income families, issued in the name of female heads of households, as part of our poverty reduction programme. Additionally, we plan to provide ‘Farmers’ Cards’ to small and marginal farmers to help them achieve economic self-reliance,” he said.
Tarique concluded, “BNP’s vision is clear — a democratic Bangladesh where every citizen, regardless of religion or background, can live with dignity, freedom, and equal opportunity. Only justice and the rule of law can ensure the safety and security of all people.”
Speaking at the same event, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the party aims to build a non-communal, progressive, prosperous, and democratic Bangladesh as envisioned by BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.
“The Matua community wants to live with dignity, and BNP is committed to ensuring that people of all faiths and communities can live with equal rights and respect,” Fakhrul said, urging the Matua community to support BNP in the upcoming national election to help the party form the next government.