BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has stated that the people of Bangladesh no longer want politics rooted in vengeance and called on the youth and first-time voters to actively resist the rise of fascism, extremism, and radicalism in Bangladesh, urging them to cast their first vote for the BNP in the upcoming national polls.
Speaking virtually from London on Saturday at a mass rally organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) in Shahbagh, Tarique said “The people of Bangladesh, 54 years after independence, no longer want politics rooted in vengeance.”
The youth must take a “conscious and responsible role” to safeguard the country’s democratic future. The event marked the anniversary of the July–August 2024 mass uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League government.
Tarique Rahman advised the youths to develop themselves as skilled and capable.
"Only your competent leadership in every sector of society can transform the Bangladesh of tomorrow and build the Bangladesh desired by the martyrs," he said.
The BNP acting chairman further said, "If you move forward with courage and integrity, the people of Bangladesh are with you and will continue to be so, Insha'Allah."
He said that it's not necessary for all students to be involved in student politics, adding, "I don't think it's essential for every student to be a member of a political organization. However, it is most crucial for every student to strive to become capable and successful in their respective fields."
Praying for the salvation of all martyrs of 1971 and the July mass uprising, he said, "Bangladesh is now a mature country. In this mature Bangladesh, the people no longer want to see politics of division, conflict, animosity, and revenge. Political parties must, therefore, be accountable to the people."
"The people want a qualitative change in politics from political parties. Therefore, it's no longer about empty rhetoric. Instead, we must engage in politics that improves people's quality of life. With this great goal in mind, the BNP wants to build a religious, social, and humanitarian Bangladesh for the future. The BNP wants to work towards increasing employment and ensuring safe workplaces," he added.
Tarique Rahman pledged to expand information technology and technical education in academic institutions, enhance students' proficiency in languages other than Bengali, increase online businesses, initiate the creation of small and medium-scale entrepreneurs, and further accelerate freelancing and outsourcing.
He said, "To prevent students from facing despair over employment in the future, the BNP will reform the education system and develop a work plan or strategy for job opportunities. Along with academic studies, the work is underway to restructure the future education curriculum by emphasizing practical and technical education from the school level in students' respective areas of interest."
He further stated, "Currently, schools and colleges offer opportunities to learn English alongside Bengali. But we want to pay special attention to English language so that our future generation can become more proficient in it. Additionally, we want to include several other languages. Knowing these languages will enable our future generation, our students, to secure employment wherever they go in the world."
Referring to some practical subjects in addition to language learning, the BNP acting chairman said, "In addition to creating opportunities for language learning, we also want to incorporate several practical subjects from the school level. Through this, we want to create opportunities for acquiring practical knowledge."
Referring to e-commerce platforms, he said, "The demand for products on e-commerce platforms is increasing day by day. We want to leverage this opportunity. Through this, we want to increase the production of international-standard small and medium-sized industries in the country and supply these products globally."
Promising to further accelerate freelancing and outsourcing, Tarique Rahman said, "Currently, over 1 million young people in the country are earning hundreds of millions in foreign currency through freelancing or outsourcing. However, due to current gateway issues, many are unable to bring their earned money into the country. If we are able to form the government, we will promptly take initiatives to resolve this issue."
Addressing the rally in person, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir accused “fascist forces” of trying to divide the country. “We will never allow fascist Sheikh Hasina to continue doing politics in this country,” he said, warning that attempts to destabilise Bangladesh through manipulation and violence would be resisted by united democratic forces.
BNP Joint Secretary General Habib Un Nabi Khan Sohel accused India of sheltering Sheikh Hasina and conspiring to interfere in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. “Those who killed our brothers and sisters must be brought to justice on the soil of Bengal,” he declared.
Echoing the demand for accountability, JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib called for an immediate trial of those responsible for killings, enforced disappearances, and torture of Chhatra Dal activists during the Awami League’s rule. “If Hasina is not tried, the people of this country will not forgive us,” he said.
Thousands of Chhatra Dal activists and general students from across the country began assembling at Shahbagh from early morning. A large stage was set up at the intersection, while crowds spilled into nearby roads, including TSC, Matsya Bhaban, and Katabon, bringing traffic to a standstill. Despite afternoon rain, slogans demanding justice and the restoration of democracy echoed through the area.
The rally began at 3:16pm with a recitation from the Quran and the national anthem. BNP Student Affairs Secretary Rakibul Islam Bakul delivered the keynote speech. The event was presided over by JCD President Rakib and moderated by General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir.
Nasir described the gathering as “unprecedented,” claiming it to be the largest student rally ever held at Shahbagh. “This marks the moment when young people risked their lives to bring down the killer regime of Sheikh Hasina,” he said. Banners bearing images of students killed in last year’s protests were prominently displayed.
To maintain discipline, Chhatra Dal issued internal guidelines to activists on conduct, cleanliness, and traffic cooperation.
The rally, attended by thousands of students and BNP supporters, was moderated by JCD General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir and presided over by JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib. The Shahbagh area turned into a political hotspot, echoing with chants for justice and democracy despite intermittent rain and traffic disruptions.
