BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has called for seizing the moment to establish a fair, accountable, democratic, and humane Bangladesh through direct voting and true political empowerment of the people.
Speaking virtually on Tuesday evening at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, where the BNP launched a month-long series of events marking the first anniversary of the July 2024 mass uprising, Tarique said a historic opportunity has emerged to build a better Bangladesh.
“We have taken the month-long programme to observe the anniversary of the mass uprising. We have many other programmes. I inaugurate the programmes wishing for their all-out success,” he said.
Highlighting the sacrifices made over 15 years of struggle, Tarique noted that during the July movement alone, at least 1,500 people, including 422 BNP activists, were killed, over 30,000 were injured, and more than 1,000 were left permanently disabled. Even children were not spared. “They did not sacrifice their lives to build luxury homes abroad, but for the future of this country,” he said.
He added, “Fifty-four years is not a short time for a nation. We do not wish to forget these sacrifices. Our commitment is to politics that ensures a safe environment, discipline, and promise-keeping.”
Looking ahead, Tarique reiterated plans to align Bangladesh’s development with global standards, pointing to BNP’s 31-point framework for restructuring state institutions. “Given the opportunity to govern, we will form a national government. While all parties may not unite, we remain steadfast in national unity so that no subservient forces can rise again. InshaAllah, this unity will endure.”
During his speech, Tarique Rahman 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 last year’s uprising that led to what he termed the “fascist flight” on August 5, 2024, Tarique paid tribute to mothers, wives, and families who lost loved ones in the struggle. “Just as the nation has never forgotten the freedom fighters of 1971, it will not forget the warriors of 2024. If the BNP comes to power, we intend to name various establishments after these martyrs.”
Earlier, the BNP’s commemorations began Tuesday under the banner “Mass Uprising 2024: National Unity and Democratic Journey,” featuring an all-party discussion and a special event honoring families of those killed. BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia addressed the gathering as chief guest, while Tarique inaugurated the programs via video.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir spoke at the event as a special guest, with the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair. Leaders from different democratic parties also addressed the programme.
The discussion began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran at around 3:10pm.
A munajat (prayer) was offered, seeking peace for the souls of those who were martyred during the July-August mass uprising and other democratic movements.
A one-minute silence was then observed while standing in honour of the martyrs, followed by the playing of the national anthem.
A documentary titled ‘National Unity and Democratic Journey’ was also screened on the occasion.
A deeply emotional moment unfolded as the families of those killed during mass uprisings and democratic movements, as well as victims of enforced disappearances, shared their sorrow and grief over the loss of their loved ones.
Many in the audience, including Tarique Rahman, were seen wiping away tears, moved by the speeches of the family members of the martyred and enforced disappearance victims.
BNP leaders said the discussion was organised to honour the memory and sacrifices of those who were killed, made enforced disappear or suffered during the July-August mass uprising and other democratic movements.
Martyred Abu Sayed’s elder brother Ramjan Ali, Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho’s father Mostafizur Rahman, Wasim Akram’s father Safiul Alam, Yamin’s father Mohiuddin, Abdullah bin Zahid’s mother Fatima Tuz Zohr, Farhan Fiaz’s sister Saima Islam Farin, Kazi Fahim’s mother Kazi Lulfa, missing BNP leader M Ilias Ali’s wife Tahsina Rushdir Luna, Sanjida Islam Tuli, coordinator of Mayer Daak, a platform for family members of enforced disappearance victims, enforced disappearance victim and BNP leader Anisur Rahman Talukdar, Adiba Islam Hridi, daughter of enforced disappearance victim and Chhatra Dal leader Parvez Hossain, crossfire victim Nuruzzaman Jony’s brother Moniruzzaman Hira, as well as the fathers of Biswajit and Abrar Fahad, who were brutally killed by ruling party cadres during the Awami League’s rule, Redwad Hossain Riyad, who lost his eyes in police firing during the mass uprising, and Navil, who was maimed in a police shooting, also spoke at the programme.
Earlier, on June 26, the party announced a series of programmes to be observed from July 1 to August 6, marking one year since the July-August mass uprising that led to the fall of the autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024.
The programme includes discussion meetings, silent marches, rallies, seminars, blood donation campaigns, graffiti painting, street theatre, football tournaments, children’s rights events and public awareness drives on dengue and COVID-19 prevention.
The BNP’s series of programs will continue for 36 days, celebrating what it calls the triumph of people’s will and pledging to build a Bangladesh anchored in justice and the rule of law.
