Dhaka //

BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has raised the question of whether the ousted autocrat is inciting anarchy in the country by finding refuge among those who remained in “hiding” during the previous autocratic regime. He also warned that legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to create chaos by spreading confusion.

Tarique Rahman made these remarks while addressing a discussion meeting organized to mark the 48th founding anniversary of the BNP.

The BNP organized the event on Saturday afternoon at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in the capital. The meeting was presided over by the party’s Acting Secretary General, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Tarique Rahman stated that the party had assumed a “clandestine guise” during the autocratic rule—a fact later admitted by their own people. Noting that various political parties and individuals are now trying to create anarchy by spreading confusion, he emphasized the need to expose those behind these actions to the public.

The question has arisen as to whether the ousted autocrat is attempting to incite anarchy by seeking shelter among those who maintained a “hidden” stance during the autocratic era. He remarked that if this is the case, then that “hidden” force is working to bring the autocrat back to the forefront.

The BNP Chairman alleged, “This reciprocal ‘hidden force’ has been shielding and sheltering one another at various times since 1971. In 1986 and 1996, as well as over the past decade and in the present time, they have shielded each other in various ways.”

Outlining the government’s position, the Prime Minister said, “I want to state clearly that the people of Bangladesh have entrusted this government with the responsibility of running the country. We will certainly uphold the democratic process. We will make every effort to uphold democratic principles and ethics.”

At the same time, he issued a warning, stating, “If anyone attempts to create anarchy, the country’s laws clearly prescribe how such situations are to be controlled.” “Therefore, as a government elected by the people, I wish to state clearly that everyone needs to remain within their respective limits.”

Noting that the BNP has stood by the people during every national crisis, the Prime Minister said, “In every moment of crisis, the political party known as the BNP—along with its leaders, activists, and the people of the country—has worked hard to overcome the situation. They have also gradually steered the country out of those crises.”

She further added, “Since the Bangladesh Nationalist Party is currently responsible for governing the country, I—on behalf of the party—express my regret to all those suffering from power and fuel shortages, including factory owners and ordinary citizens.”

At the beginning of the event, the Prime Minister participated in a special prayer session seeking salvation for the souls of the party’s late leaders and activists, including BNP founder and martyred President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

The discussion meeting commenced with the slogan: “We will work, we will build the nation; Bangladesh comes first.” To begin, a minute of silence was observed in memory of all martyrs, including BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and the party’s former Chairperson and Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The main discussion session began following the screening of a documentary about the BNP.

The meeting was moderated by Sultan Salauddin Tuku, the BNP’s Central Publicity Secretary and State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock. Party Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Selima Rahman, Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, Amanullah Aman, Farhad Halim, and Md. Ismail Zabiullah participated in the event.

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