Expressing sincere gratitude to the people of the country for making BNP victorious in the elections, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman said, “This victory belongs to democracy, this victory belongs to Bangladesh, this victory belongs to the democracy-loving people of the country. From today, we are independent.”

He made this statement at a press conference held at the Intercontinental Hotel in the capital on Saturday (February 14) afternoon.

He said, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the people of the country. We have paved the way for democracy in the country by overcoming all obstacles. We are going to start our journey amidst a situation left by fascism – a fragile economy, ineffective constitutional and statutory institutions, and a weak law and order situation.”

Tarique Rahman said, “With your spontaneous participation, after more than a decade and a half, an accountable parliament and government are going to be established in the country through direct vote of the people again. We have to and will remain united so that no evil force can establish fascism in the country.” 51 political parties including Jamaat-e-Islam, NCP, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Jamiat-e-Islam, and Gana Adhikar Parishad participated in this election. I sincerely congratulate each political party.”

In a democratic state and in a democracy, political parties are essentially the beacons of democracy. We firmly believe that if the government and the opposition play a responsible role from their respective positions, democracy will definitely take institutional form in the country.

The BNP Chairman said, “A call to every democratic political party in building the country, your thoughts are very important to us in building the country. Our paths and opinions may differ, but we are all one in the interests of the country. I believe that national unity is our strength, division is our weakness.”

The BNP Chairman mentioned that a free, fair and impartial election was finally held peacefully in the country, overcoming all the doubts created in the public mind.

Expressing special thanks to the interim government and the Election Commission for this, the BNP chairman said, “Your contribution to the history of democracy will be memorable for holding this election that the people have been waiting for.”

Tarique Rahman said, “Free and fair elections would not have been possible without the sincerity and responsible role of the judicial officers, public administration, armed forces and law enforcement officers, and the returning officers, assistant returning officers, presiding officers, assistant presiding officers and polling officers involved in conducting impartial elections. Thank you very much.”

Noting that the role of domestic and foreign media and observers was also important in this election, Tarique Rahman said, “Sincere greetings to you as well.”

He said, “From the war of independence in 1971 to the war to protect the independence of the country and the people in 2024… I pay my deepest respect to all those brave martyrs who have been martyred and injured in the movement to establish democracy in the country over this long period, whose blood and suffering have paved the way for today’s democratic Bangladesh.”

Tarique Rahman mentioned that today is a very joyful time for the leaders and activists of BNP as well as the democratic people of the country. He said that in such a joyful environment, the absence of the uncompromising national leader Begum Khaleda Zia weighs heavily on us. She fought uncompromisingly against fascism in the hope of such a democratic time to establish the rights of the people in the state and politics.

The BNP chairman further said, “My statement is clear, peace and order must be maintained at any cost. No kind of injustice or illegal activities will be tolerated. Regardless of party affiliation, religion, caste or difference of opinion, the attack of the strong on the weak should not be accepted under any pretext. Justice will be the ideal. If the rule of law cannot be established, all our efforts are bound to go in vain.”

Commenting on the possibility that misunderstandings may have arisen among the parties in the election field while contesting against each other or one party against another, the BNP chairman said, “However, I urge everyone to be careful so that such disputes do not turn into revenge and violence.”

Calling on the democracy-loving people in the country, Tarique Rahman said, “Just as we played a role in the fight to establish democracy, let us play a role from our respective positions to establish a safe and humane Bangladesh by controlling corruption and law and order and being accountable to the people.”

No injustice of any kind will be tolerated.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that the July Charter, which was agreed upon through the party’s 31-point manifesto and Note of Distinction, will be implemented in phases.

He said, “My statement is clear, a peaceful position must be maintained at any cost. No kind of injustice will be tolerated.”

Tarique Rahman said, “Regardless of party affiliation, religion, caste, or differences of opinion, the attack of the strong on the weak will not be accepted under any pretext. Justice will be the ideal. If the rule of law cannot be established, all our efforts are bound to go in vain.”

Tarique Rahman said, “While contesting elections against each other or one party against another, there may have been misunderstandings among themselves at some point in the voting field. However, I urge everyone to be careful not to let such disputes turn into revenge and violence.”

Our engineering is to convince the public.

In response to a question from Khaled Muhiuddin, editor-in-chief of Thikaan, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman said, “Our engineering is to convince the people. Convincing the people was our engineering. We have succeeded in this.”

He said, “The law is equal for everyone. When we come to the government, we will want the law to be implemented as it is. Everyone will be able to do business like everyone else. We do not want to give any special opportunity to any particular group.”