Print: 28 Oct 2025
File Photo
BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman said on Sunday that various conspiracies surrounding the upcoming national election are beginning to emerge across the country.
“The situation in the country is becoming increasingly complex. I would say that there is still time. The defeated and fugitive evil forces are lurking, waiting for a chance,” he stated while speaking at a discussion titled “The Purpose and Significance of BNP’s Establishment”, organised by the party at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, in Ramna, Dhaka, on the eve of its 47th founding anniversary. He joined the event virtually from London.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir presided over the discussion, which was attended by party leaders and activists, along with members of its affiliated organisations.
Tarique Rahman recalled that almost a year ago, he had warned that invisible forces would become active around the forthcoming election.
“The stable situation in the country is becoming complicated – or is being made complicated. I am sure there is still time. We need to remain cautious. The defeated, fugitive evil force is lurking, waiting for an opportunity,” he said.
The BNP leader emphasised that until a democratic government accountable to the people through free, fair, and impartial elections is established, democracy in Bangladesh remains at risk.
Addressing other political parties, Tarique Rahman questioned whether their statements – questioning whether the election will be allowed to take place – might weaken the unity of anti-fascist forces or create space for the resurgence of fugitive fascist elements.
“Today, the people themselves are beginning to notice that the evil intentions of these forces are gradually becoming visible as they attempt to undermine the opportunity to establish people’s rights through elections,” he said.
He added that while the interim government is ostensibly working to secure citizens’ rights, some political parties are imposing conditions to serve their own interests rather than the people’s.
“By imposing these conditions, many people have begun to suspect that there is an attempt to obstruct the election and systematically divert it in a different direction,” he noted.
Tarique Rahman reiterated that BNP has consistently demanded the earliest possible election. “BNP believes it is necessary to restore political power to the people first.”
“If a government elected through direct vote fails to meet the people’s expectations, the people will have the opportunity to change the government through the next election—a normal process in any democratic country,” he added.
He stressed that establishing people’s rights through effective democratic political practice is more important than theoretical reforms.
“The BNP fully supports reforms in the state and politics. Even after announcing our 31-point programme, we have actively supported and cooperated with reform proposals initiated by the interim government,” he said.
Tarique Rahman also warned against mob violence, stating: “None of us will tolerate mob violence. Various conspiracies are beginning to spread their branches ahead of the upcoming national election. We must all remain vigilant.”
Speaking at the discussion, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that only the party has the capacity to protect the country from conspiracies.
“If BNP forms a government, Tarique Rahman will be the Prime Minister. BNP is the only party that can save Bangladesh,” he said.
Regarding the 31-point reforms proposed by the party, he added that political and economic change in Bangladesh is possible only through their implementation. BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated, “It was possible to unite the nation under the nationalist flag.” He also expressed hope that BNP would bring a revolution in the education and health sectors, alongside safeguarding democracy.
Standing Committee member Selima Rahman urged party leaders and activists to remain united during these challenging times and accused some political parties of attempting to sabotage the election by raising the issue of introducing a proportional representation system.
Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, another Standing Committee member, claimed, “There is a conspiracy at both domestic and international levels to disrupt the elections and prevent Bangladesh from enjoying democracy.”
“Even though BNP helps certain parties during elections, they see our independence as a mistake – they are local conspirators,” he added. Hafiz further alleged that India is attempting to bring Sheikh Hasina back to power, citing praise for her in the Indian Lok Sabha.
Other BNP Standing Committee members, including Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Abdul Moyeen Khan, and Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, also spoke at the programme.
The discussion marked the start of a week-long programme to celebrate BNP’s 47th founding anniversary, with events across the country, including in Dhaka.
Today, party flags will be hoisted at 6am at the central office and all district offices.
At 11am, the secretary general, standing committee members, and affiliated leaders will offer prayers and lay wreaths at the mausoleum of the founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. District and metropolitan units nationwide will also hold discussions and rallies.
Tomorrow, a major anniversary rally will take place in front of the party’s Nayapaltan headquarters in Dhaka.
On Wednesday, celebrations will continue with discussion meetings and rallies at upazila and municipal levels, as well as a roundtable on current national issues.
Other activities will include cultural programmes, tree-planting drives, fish releases, free medical camps, and sporting events.
Earlier, the party formed a 16-member National Celebration Committee for the anniversary, with BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan appointed convener and Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi as member secretary.
Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that Ziaur Rahman, the founder of multi-party democracy, was killed in a local and foreign conspiracy, and Khaleda Zia has carried forward BNP while upholding his legacy.
On 1 September 1978, the late President Ziaur Rahman founded the party with a 19-point programme aimed at building a self-reliant Bangladesh.
Last year, BNP donated funds earmarked for anniversary celebrations to the relief fund for flood-affected people, condensing a planned six-day programme into a single day.
The reporter can be reached at: [email protected]
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Evil forces lurking ahead of polls
Warns Tarique Rahman as BNP celebrates 47th founding anniv today
File Photo
BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman said on Sunday that various conspiracies surrounding the upcoming national election are beginning to emerge across the country.
“The situation in the country is becoming increasingly complex. I would say that there is still time. The defeated and fugitive evil forces are lurking, waiting for a chance,” he stated while speaking at a discussion titled “The Purpose and Significance of BNP’s Establishment”, organised by the party at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, in Ramna, Dhaka, on the eve of its 47th founding anniversary. He joined the event virtually from London.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir presided over the discussion, which was attended by party leaders and activists, along with members of its affiliated organisations.
Tarique Rahman recalled that almost a year ago, he had warned that invisible forces would become active around the forthcoming election.
“The stable situation in the country is becoming complicated – or is being made complicated. I am sure there is still time. We need to remain cautious. The defeated, fugitive evil force is lurking, waiting for an opportunity,” he said.
The BNP leader emphasised that until a democratic government accountable to the people through free, fair, and impartial elections is established, democracy in Bangladesh remains at risk.
Addressing other political parties, Tarique Rahman questioned whether their statements – questioning whether the election will be allowed to take place – might weaken the unity of anti-fascist forces or create space for the resurgence of fugitive fascist elements.
“Today, the people themselves are beginning to notice that the evil intentions of these forces are gradually becoming visible as they attempt to undermine the opportunity to establish people’s rights through elections,” he said.
He added that while the interim government is ostensibly working to secure citizens’ rights, some political parties are imposing conditions to serve their own interests rather than the people’s.
“By imposing these conditions, many people have begun to suspect that there is an attempt to obstruct the election and systematically divert it in a different direction,” he noted.
Tarique Rahman reiterated that BNP has consistently demanded the earliest possible election. “BNP believes it is necessary to restore political power to the people first.”
“If a government elected through direct vote fails to meet the people’s expectations, the people will have the opportunity to change the government through the next election—a normal process in any democratic country,” he added.
He stressed that establishing people’s rights through effective democratic political practice is more important than theoretical reforms.
“The BNP fully supports reforms in the state and politics. Even after announcing our 31-point programme, we have actively supported and cooperated with reform proposals initiated by the interim government,” he said.
Tarique Rahman also warned against mob violence, stating: “None of us will tolerate mob violence. Various conspiracies are beginning to spread their branches ahead of the upcoming national election. We must all remain vigilant.”
Speaking at the discussion, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that only the party has the capacity to protect the country from conspiracies.
“If BNP forms a government, Tarique Rahman will be the Prime Minister. BNP is the only party that can save Bangladesh,” he said.
Regarding the 31-point reforms proposed by the party, he added that political and economic change in Bangladesh is possible only through their implementation. BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated, “It was possible to unite the nation under the nationalist flag.” He also expressed hope that BNP would bring a revolution in the education and health sectors, alongside safeguarding democracy.
Standing Committee member Selima Rahman urged party leaders and activists to remain united during these challenging times and accused some political parties of attempting to sabotage the election by raising the issue of introducing a proportional representation system.
Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, another Standing Committee member, claimed, “There is a conspiracy at both domestic and international levels to disrupt the elections and prevent Bangladesh from enjoying democracy.”
“Even though BNP helps certain parties during elections, they see our independence as a mistake – they are local conspirators,” he added. Hafiz further alleged that India is attempting to bring Sheikh Hasina back to power, citing praise for her in the Indian Lok Sabha.
Other BNP Standing Committee members, including Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Abdul Moyeen Khan, and Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, also spoke at the programme.
The discussion marked the start of a week-long programme to celebrate BNP’s 47th founding anniversary, with events across the country, including in Dhaka.
Today, party flags will be hoisted at 6am at the central office and all district offices.
At 11am, the secretary general, standing committee members, and affiliated leaders will offer prayers and lay wreaths at the mausoleum of the founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. District and metropolitan units nationwide will also hold discussions and rallies.
Tomorrow, a major anniversary rally will take place in front of the party’s Nayapaltan headquarters in Dhaka.
On Wednesday, celebrations will continue with discussion meetings and rallies at upazila and municipal levels, as well as a roundtable on current national issues.
Other activities will include cultural programmes, tree-planting drives, fish releases, free medical camps, and sporting events.
Earlier, the party formed a 16-member National Celebration Committee for the anniversary, with BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan appointed convener and Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi as member secretary.
Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that Ziaur Rahman, the founder of multi-party democracy, was killed in a local and foreign conspiracy, and Khaleda Zia has carried forward BNP while upholding his legacy.
On 1 September 1978, the late President Ziaur Rahman founded the party with a 19-point programme aimed at building a self-reliant Bangladesh.
Last year, BNP donated funds earmarked for anniversary celebrations to the relief fund for flood-affected people, condensing a planned six-day programme into a single day.
The reporter can be reached at: [email protected]