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BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the tragic crash of a Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) training aircraft at Milestone School and College in the capital’s Diabari area on Monday.
He prayed for the peace of the departed souls and the speedy recovery of those injured in the incident, according to a UNB report.
The BNP leader, while virtually addressing a discussion, said he has already instructed party leaders and workers to stand by the victims and provide all necessary support to the injured.
The programme was cut short due to the tragedy, and party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam rushed to the site without addressing the event.
The Bangladesh Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad organised the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, to honour the families of martyrs and professionals who suffered torture during the struggle to restore democracy.
Speaking on the occasion, the BNP leader urged all political parties not to betray the blood of the martyrs of the mass uprising by pursuing narrow political gains through cunning tactics aimed at disrupting the national election.
“From my position, I would like to make a humble appeal to those who are taking advantage of the situation and using various deceitful tactics to maintain their influence over the state and government, instead of working to uphold the rights of people—please, do not betray the blood of the martyrs,” he said.
Tarique alleged that certain quarters, by putting a gun to the interim government’s neck, want to keep their hold on power, influence the government and secure their own benefits through various means. “They are tactfully creating obstacles towards holding the national election. This is now gradually coming to light, and people from all walks of life are beginning to speak out about it.”
The BNP leader said the credit for the mass uprising does not belong to any single group or political party, as people from all backgrounds sacrificed their lives for a democratic Bangladesh.
“They took part in the uprising to establish their rights. Let us not forget the sacrifices of all the martyrs of the mass uprising amid the ongoing political calculations and or political polarisation,” he said.
Tarique also said that while new demands continue to emerge every day, the nation must not lose sight of the martyrs’ sacrifices amid fresh political developments.
“The rulers may have changed, but the nature of governance seems to have stayed the same. If such a perception takes hold among the people, it will cause a serious crisis in the process of institutionalising democracy,” he warned.
“That is why I want to say again and again that it is now time for us to repay the debt we owe to the brave sons of the nation who gave their lives to free the country from fascism,” the BNP leader said.