What is going to happen in Bangladesh now? , Image: AP/Republic
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tariq Rahman asked the people of his troubled country to work together to bring peace and stability. Rahman made this appeal in his first speech to party supporters hours after landing in Dhaka in 17 years.
Rehman also made a statement on the genocide of Hindus following the massive unrest and political instability following the assassination of youth leader Sharif Usman Hadi. Let us tell you that Usman was the face of last year’s protests, which led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina government.
Contenders for the post of Prime Minister in Bangladesh elections
“Whatever political party we belong to, whatever religion we follow, whether we are non-partisan persons, we all should join hands to maintain law and order,” Rahman said in Dhaka. Thousands of people were seen at the rally venue, where he had gone straight from the airport.
Rahman, 60, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has emerged as a leading contender for the post of prime minister in the Bangladesh elections. Referring to a quote from American civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Rahman said, “I have a plan for my countrymen and my country.”
‘We want to create a safe Bangladesh’
Rahman further said, “This plan is for the benefit of the people, for the development of the country, to change the fortunes of the country. To implement this plan, I need the support of all the people of the country. If you stand with us, then by the grace of God, we will be able to implement our plan.”
He said that he wants to create a safe Bangladesh where people can live in a peaceful environment regardless of caste, creed and religion. He said, “Our country has people from the mountains and the plains – Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians. We want to build a safe Bangladesh, where every woman, man and child can leave home safely and return safely.”
Rehman’s call for unity comes at a time when Jamaat-e-Islami, which was a coalition partner of the BNP when it was in power from 2001-2006, has emerged as its main rival in the upcoming elections.
He asked people to pray for his ailing mother and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, whom he met after leaving the rally venue. Let us tell you that Tariq Rehman’s party does not have as good relations with India as it had with Sheikh Hasina. However, while talking about unity and solidarity in the country, he has definitely indicated that he will think about improving relations with India.
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