BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has called upon political parties to stop issuing threats and confrontations against the current interim government, urging them instead to face the people in February. He said there is no alternative to direct public participation in the struggle to restore democracy and establish the people’s right to vote. Speaking virtually from London on Wednesday (November 12) as the chief guest at a discussion marking the 50th anniversary of the Historic National Revolution and Solidarity Day, organized by the BNP at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka, Tarique Rahman made the remarks.

At the event, a documentary highlighting the historical significance of November 7, National Revolution and Solidarity Day, was screened, followed by a musical performance.

Tarique Rahman said, “At a time when the groundwork is being laid for a government that is elected by the people and accountable to them, some political parties are trying to take advantage of the weakness of the interim government and are effectively standing against the establishment of the people’s political rights. I urge them — do not resort to threats or intimidation; instead, face the people next February.”

He added, “We must remember that beyond party loyalists, there exists a large number of non-political or independent citizens. Their opinions ultimately determine the direction of the nation.”

The BNP leader accused certain political parties of attempting to obstruct the national election by imposing various conditions. “By doing so,” he said, “they are trying to dominate state mechanisms without participating in the election while paving the way for the rehabilitation of fallen, defeated, and fugitive autocrats.”

Referring to recent violence in the capital, Tarique Rahman said, “The way the collaborators of the fugitive dictator carried out acts of arson terrorism in Dhaka should serve as a warning to all anti-fascist forces. It is time for all pro-democracy forces to unite.”

He further observed, “It is now clear that at one point, a party within the anti-fascist movement sought refuge under the umbrella of fascism to protect itself. In the present context, there is reason to question whether the same fallen, defeated, and fugitive autocrat has now taken shelter under that very party’s umbrella.”