BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman said that achieving the goals of the interim government is not possible due to key positions held by beneficiaries of the previous autocratic mafia government.
He made this remark while speaking as the chief guest at a meeting held with members of the Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities on Tuesday (Oct 29) evening at the Eskaton Ladies Club in Dhaka.
Tarique Rahman said the interim government has formed commissions to address the damages left by the past regime, but he stressed the need to ease people’s everyday struggles alongside major reforms.
He criticized the previous administration for ignoring justice for communal incidents against minorities over the past 15 years, calling on communities to stay united and vigilant.
He added that recent changes had freed the nation from the grip of autocratic rule, allowing people of all backgrounds to gather freely.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who chaired the event, also spoke, emphasizing BNP’s commitment to a secular and inclusive Bangladesh.
At this time Mirza Fakhrul warned against provocations from “defeated forces” aiming to disrupt communal harmony, urging everyone to work towards a peaceful, united Bangladesh.
Several BNP standing committee members shared their thoughts. Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain reiterated BNP’s focus on building an inclusive and welfare-based society.
Mirza Abbas noted how minorities once celebrated their festivals freely without needing security at temples, and he alleged that the ruling party was linked to recent attacks on minority communities.
Dr. Moyeen Khan highlighted the August 5 protests as a victory of the people and said Bangladeshis of all faiths now feel more secure.
Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury explained BNP’s vision for a “rainbow nation,” where diversity is valued. He criticized leaders who exploit religion for personal gain.
The meeting was attended by other notable figures, including Dhaka University Professor Dr. Subrata Barua, BNP religious affairs secretary Rafiqul Islam Jamal, and Gano Forum general secretary Advocate Subrata Chowdhury, along with community leaders and members.
BDST: 2053 HRS, OCT 29, 2024
MSK