Tarique warns of ‘deep conspiracy’, calls for vigilance

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday warned that a ‘deep conspiracy’ is underway in Bangladesh and urged people to remain vigilant, saying the establishment of ‘people’s rule’ depends on the coming days.

Addressing an election rally organised by the Faridpur district BNP at Rajendra College ground on Wednesday, Tarique Rahman said, “If the alleged conspiracy is thwarted by 12 February, from the 13th, people’s rule will be established.”

In his 24-minute speech, he promised that if BNP comes to power, commitments made regarding Faridpur’s development, including granting it city corporation status and recognising it as a division, would be fulfilled.

The BNP chief said he had been away from the country for 17 years and claimed that what had taken place in the name of development during that period was ‘plunder’. “The time has come to restore the rights that have been taken away from you.”

He also pledged to create job opportunities for the unemployed youth.

Referring to families affected by the July incidents, the BNP chairman said those who had been subjected to enforced disappearances, killings or injuries were seeking the return of rights taken from Bangladeshis over the past 16 years. “Many suffered for demanding their rights.”

He said individuals who publicly show disrespect towards the country’s mothers and sisters cannot be trusted with national leadership.

Tarique Rahman criticised what he described as a secretive group demanding verification numbers and national identity cards, calling such actions unethical.

He said people should not expect good governance from those who fail to respect citizens’ rights.

“Much damage has been done to the country. Schools and colleges need rebuilding, factories must be set up, canals and rivers re-excavated, and cold storage facilities built for farmers. The nation needs reconstruction,” the BNP chief said.

Highlighting river erosion as a major problem in the region, he said preventing it could help boost agricultural exports, particularly jute, a key crop of greater Faridpur, and earn foreign currency.

Introducing BNP candidates for all 15 parliamentary constituencies in greater Faridpur, Tarique urged voters to cast their ballots for the party’s ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol.

BNP Central Organising Secretary Shama Obaed, Faridpur BNP Secretary AK Kibria Swapon and BNP leaders Abzal Hossain Khan Palash and Khandakar Nasirul Islam also addressed the rally.