Newsman: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman called for building a “new Bangladesh” rooted in unity and mutual respect among all religious communities. Returning to the country after 17 years on Thursda,y Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Tarique Rahman was accorded a grand reception at the capital’s 300 Feet road in Purbachal area Dhaka.
Tarique Rahman said in his speech that he has a plan to make the country better.
He said, “Whether men, women or children, protecting Bangladesh’s peace and dignity must always be our top priority. We will work together and build our Bangladesh.
Recalling the country’s struggle for independence in 1971 and the mass movement witnessed in August 2024, Rahman said people must come together to safeguard national sovereignty and shape an inclusive future for the country.
Hundreds of thousands workers and supporters of his party the BNP including observers, gathered to welcome him. He delivered a 17-minute speech.
In his speech, Tarique said his wish is that every citizen of Bangladesh remains safe. He urged people to avoid violence and contribute together to building the nation.
Referring to Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, Rahman said, “We must protect peace in Bangladesh at all costs. I have a plan for my countrymen.”
Martin Luther King Jr. was a renowned American Baptist minister, civil rights activist, and leader of the non-violent movement. He is often called the Gandhi of America, as he drew inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violence while fighting racial discrimination and segregation against African Americans.
He urged people to maintain peace and order in the country, avoid any disorder and face challenges with patience.
“Our beloved motherland was achieved in 1971 through the blood sacrifice of millions of martyrs,” Tarique Rahman said in his speech.
“In the same way, on November 7, 1975, through the soldiers-people’s uprising, the country was saved from imperialist forces. Similarly, in the 1990 movement against autocracy, the working people of this country restored their democratic rights. Yet, conspiracies by plotters did not stop. We then witnessed in 2024… Just as the people of this country achieved independence in 1971, in 2024 the students and masses–farmers, workers, housewives, men and women, madrasa students–people of all classes and professions regardless of party affiliation–on August 5, 2024, protected the independence and sovereignty of this country,” he added.
“Today the time has come for us all to build the country together. This country has people of the hills, and it also has people of the plains. Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, and people of various religions live in this country. We want to build such a Bangladesh together–the Bangladesh that a mother dreams of. That is, a safe Bangladesh. A Bangladesh where a woman, a man, or a child–whoever it may be–can safely leave home and, God willing, return home safely,” he added.
‘We want peace,” the BNP leader emphasized, also saying he has a plan for the country and its people. “We will build a Bangladesh that every mother dreams of,” Tarique pledged.
“We aspire to build a Bangladesh that serves as a sanctuary; a land where every mother can rest easy, knowing her children are safe within its embrace,” he added.
Tarique said the time has come for everyone to work together to build the country.
“We have people from the hills and the plains in this country – Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians. We want to build a safe Bangladesh, where every woman, man and child can leave home safely and return safely,” he said.
Stressing the role of the youth, Tarique said the young generation will build the country in the days ahead.
He emphasized the need to build the nation on a democratic system and a strong economic foundation, stating three times, “We want peace in the country.”
Saying that he has a plan to rebuild the country, he added that the cooperation of every individual is necessary to implement it.
Tarique Rahman also sought prayers from everyone for the recovery of his mother, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
“She is a leader who has always loved her people and her country more than her own life.
“As her son, I ask for your prayers for her. And as her son, while I stand here with you, my heart remains bound to her side at the hospital bed.”
“We will all work together to build our Bangladesh,” he said, expressing his gratitude to the people.
The people of Bangladesh want to regain their right to speak, he said, adding, “They want to receive fair rights based on their merit. Today, the time has come for all of us to come together to build the nation.”
“At any cost, we must ensure that people can remain safe.”
“There are over 40 million young people, about 50 million children, around four million persons with disabilities, and tens of millions of farmers and workers. These people have expectations from the state. They have aspirations for this country,” he said.
“If today we all unite, if we all pledge together, then we can fulfill the expectations of these tens of millions of people, God willing,” he said.
