A party is now echoing the language of a fascist

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, hinting at Jamaat, asked why its two leaders stayed in the BNP-led alliance government if that government was corrupt, as being claimed by the party now.

At an election rally in Mymensingh city yesterday, he said the party is criticising BNP using the same language once used by a fascist, who later fled the country.

“They are speaking against BNP in the same way the fascist used to speak. It too is now claiming that the BNP was the champion of corruption,” the party chief told the gathering at the Circuit House ground. 

“So, my question is, from 2001 to 2006, didn’t they also have two members in the BNP-led government? They did. So, if the BNP was really that bad, why didn’t the two step down?”

Tarique said, “They did not resign ... because they knew very well that Khaleda Zia was cracking down on corruption with a firm hand.” 

He added that international statistics show Bangladesh began to diminish the level of corruption during Khaleda’s tenure, starting in 2001. 

“...The two members stayed in the government from the first day to the last day ... proving that how big a lie they are now telling.”

From 2001-2006, Jamaat then chief Motiur Rahman Nizami and secretary general Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid served as ministers in the BNP-led four-party alliance government. 

Tarique’s Mymensingh trip was his first in 22 years. He reached the city by road from Dhaka around 3:30pm. His motorcade faced heavy congestion as security personnel struggled to clear the crowd and escort the vehicles to the rally venue. 

His wife, Zubaida Rahman, accompanied him on the stage. 

After making his way through the crowd, Tarique went to the stage at 4:03pm, where he met families of freedom fighters and those killed or injured during the July uprising.

Calling on party leaders and activists to remain vigilant on election day, Tarique asked them to perform Tahajjud prayers, offer Fajr prayers in front of polling centres, and then cast their votes.

“Why did I say this? It has been many years since we got the chance to vote, hasn’t it? Because we did not get the chance to vote before, many people took away our voting rights in different ways. This time, we must stay alert so that no one can steal our votes.”

A large number of activists gathered to catch a glimpse of him, while some climbed nearby trees to watch and listen to his speech.

Since the morning, party leaders and activists started arriving at the venue from Sherpur, Jamalpur, Netrakona, Mymensingh, and surrounding districts by bus and truck, carrying party flags and wearing colourful caps and T-shirts. Small processions, some accompanied by music bands.

“We must stay together, because when we stayed together, we achieved independence. When we stayed together, we removed autocracy. If we stay united in the days ahead as well, then we will surely be able to take Bangladesh towards the future Bangladesh we hope for.

“So, let today’s election rally be our pledge that we will turn this Bangladesh into a people’s Bangladesh.”

At the rally, 24 party candidates placed several demands before him, including the establishment of a university, development of river routes, and modernisation of the railway network.

In reply, Tarique said Mymensingh district hospital would be upgraded and the canals in the area would be re-excavated.

Tarique left Mymensingh at 5:00pm and reached the Bhawal Rajbari Estate in Gazipur around 11:40pm.

As he entered Gazipur, a large number of leaders and activists stood along both sides of the road for about four kilometres to greet him. Because of the crowd, his vehicle was delayed in reaching the venue.

“Will you allow vote robbery this time?” he asked at the rally.

The attendees replied, “No”.

The BNP chief also promised that if the party comes to power, an overpass will be built over the Joydebpur rail crossing, day-care centres will be set up for the children of female workers in garment and other factories, and three canals in the district will be re-excavated.

Tarique was also scheduled to address the last election rally of yesterday in the capital’s Uttara.

[Our Mymensingh correspondent contributed to this report.]