BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has called upon the nation to seize the historic moment to establish a democratic, fair, and humane Bangladesh, rooted in people’s true political empowerment through direct voting. Speaking virtually on Tuesday evening at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, Tarique inaugurated BNP’s month-long series of events marking the first anniversary of the July 2024 mass uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government.
He emphasized that this opportunity must be used to build a new democratic order, honouring the sacrifices of thousands who died or were injured during the struggle. Highlighting that over 1,500 people, including 422 BNP activists, were killed during the July movement alone, Tarique noted these sacrifices were made for the country’s future, not for personal luxury abroad. He stated, “It is time to lay the foundation of an equitable, humane state where power truly resides with the people. Only then can we curb political corruption and criminalization.”
Reflecting on Bangladesh’s 54-year journey, Tarique reiterated BNP’s commitment to creating a political culture ensuring safety, discipline, and promise-keeping. He reaffirmed plans to form a national government aligned with BNP’s 31-point framework for restructuring state institutions, aiming to build a country where no subservient forces can rise again.
The event included tributes to those killed in the 2024 uprising, with families of victims sharing emotional testimonies that moved many to tears, including Tarique Rahman himself. BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia addressed the gathering as chief guest, emphasizing national unity, while Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other senior leaders spoke about continuing the democratic journey.
The commemorations began with Quran recitation, prayers for the martyrs, the national anthem, and a documentary titled National Unity and Democratic Journey. The programme honoured enforced disappearance victims and political martyrs, with speakers including family members of student activist Abrar Fahad and others killed or maimed during past political violence.
BNP’s month-long initiatives, under the theme Mass Uprising 2024: National Unity and Democratic Journey, will continue until August 6 with rallies, discussions, blood donation drives, silent marches, football tournaments, street theatre, children’s rights programmes, and public health awareness campaigns, celebrating what the party describes as the triumph of people’s will and pledging to build a Bangladesh anchored in justice, democracy, and rule of law.
