Staff Correspondent

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday warned that any wrong decision by the current interim government could put the country’s democratic journey at serious risk and open the door to the rise of fascism, extremism and radicalism.

“Any wrong step by the government can push the journey of democracy into crisis. Fascism, extremism and radicalism can raise their heads. So, we all, especially, the interim government must remain extremely careful,” he said.

Tarique made the remarks while virtually addressing a protest rally organised by the Dhaka District unit of BNP at Darul Ihsan Madrasa ground at Sreepur in Ashulia.

The programme was arranged to commemorate the victims of the brutal Ashulia incident during the July Mass Uprising 2024, where the bodies of martyrs were reportedly burned near the Ashulia Police Station.

After the removal of fascist rule, Tarique said people entrusted the interim government with the responsibility of running the country, hoping their rights would be restored.

He, however, expressed concern that certain elements within the interim government might be using evil tactics instead of working to return the country’s ownership to its people by handing over power to their elected representatives.

“There is a serious concern and question among the people about whether the interim government is showing the wisdom and farsightedness needed in determining election priorities,” he said.

Tarique also cautioned that the defeated and fugitive fascist forces are waiting for any mistake by the government to make their political gains.

“I want to draw the attention of the interim government to the fact that the fallen, fugitive, defeated and ousted fascist forces are lurking in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity to return despite the blood of hundreds of martyrs,” he said.

Tarique said if the government and political leadership could be made accountable to the people, then a real change in politics would be possible. “At the same time, it will be possible to ensure the political empowerment of the people.”

He said people from all walks of life did not continue their movement for over fifteen years, nor did they become martyrs in the July uprising, just to hand over state power to a few individuals.

The BNP leader said people removed the autocratic and fascist regime and sacrificed their lives to establish their rights in the state and government.

“So, whoever is in power, if they want to govern, they must listen to people. They must understand the hopes and voices of every citizen. Anyone who wants to be elected as a public representative must stay connected to the people,” he said.

Tarique said his party wants to build Bangladesh that the martyrs had dreamt of, through a politics that empowers people.

Talking about the contributions of those who sacrificed their lives during the mass uprising, the BNP leader said he had said before that martyrs are not just numbers.

“The death of one person means the end of dreams and possibilities for an entire family. But the martyrdom of your sons and loved ones has freed the country and its people from fascism. The nation is indebted to your martyred children,” he said, pointing at the family members of the martyrs.

The BNP leader stressed that the state and the government have responsibilities towards every martyr’s family.

He said farmers, workers and all working people should be able to feel proud of their role in building democracy.

Tarique mentioned that if BNP gets the people’s support to form the next government, it plans to build a special memorial and establishments in Savar-Ashulia or another suitable place to honour the sacrifices of the martyrs, including those from working-class families.

Paying tribute to the martyrs from the 1971 Liberation War to the 2024 uprising, he prayed that Allah would accept each sacrifice as martyrdom.

The BNP acting chairman also prayed for the quick recovery of those who were injured.

Speaking at the programme, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir urged all political parties not to create divisions over minor issues, so that the country’s path to democracy is not disrupted again.

“Right now, a lot is being said and interpreted politically, and that’s normal in a democracy. But don’t do anything that could once again harm the democratic process,” he said.

The BNP leader also warned that unnecessary disputes over small matters could help pave the way for what he called “the return of fascist Hasina”.

He stressed the need for unity among all political forces to quickly resolve their differences and restore democratic order in the country.

The BNP leader voiced frustration that the government has still failed to provide proper compensation for the families of those killed and injured during the mass uprising.

He strongly criticised deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing her of resorting to brutal killings just to cling to power.

He said Hasina must face trial for the atrocities she committed by killing students and ordinary people to forcibly stay in office.

Some family members of the martyrs shared their heartbreaking stories, moving the entire gathering to tears.