‘National unity is our collective strength,’ says Tarique Rahman

Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Tarique Rahman said that national unity is the collective strength of the country and that both the government and opposition must work together for national development.

Addressing a press briefing after the 13th National Parliamentary Election, he said, “This victory belongs to Bangladesh. This victory belongs to the people. Many people sacrificed their lives for democracy. From today, we begin the true essence of freedom.”

He congratulated the people of Bangladesh for their courage and sacrifice during what he described as more than one and a half decades of authoritarian rule. He said the journey was long and difficult, but the people remained patient and determined.

Rahman said 51 political parties, including BNP and other allied parties, participated in the democratic movement. He congratulated all parties for their role in restoring democracy.

“In a democratic state, both the government and the opposition are responsible for protecting democracy,” he said. “We may have differences of opinion, but we are united when it comes to the interest of the country.”

He emphasised that BNP will implement its 31-point reform agenda and fulfill all promises made to the people. “This is a very important time for the nation. The people have once again given BNP a mandate, and we will honor it through our collective efforts,” he said.

Recalling the role of former Prime Minister late Begum Khaleda Zia, he said that she was an uncompromising leader who fought against fascism and stood firm during difficult times.

Rahman urged BNP leaders and activists to remain calm and prevent any wrongdoing that could malign the democratic victory.

“Now it is time to build the country and focus on development,” he said, adding that the victory was achieved through patience, struggle, and prayers.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the victory represents the triumph of liberal democracy.

He claimed that over the past decade, around six million people were persecuted, hundreds were killed, and many were disappeared during political unrest.

Senior BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan, in his concluding remarks, called upon all citizens to help rebuild the nation.

He thanked both local and foreign observers and welcomed members of the domestic and international press who attended the programme.

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