Take Firm Control or Risk Public Intolerance: Tarique Rahman

BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman stated, "I urge the interim government to take firm control of the situation. The accomplices of the fugitive autocrat are waiting for the public to become intolerant. If the government fails to demonstrate competence, public impatience may escalate." He made these remarks in a statement on Wednesday (November 27) night regarding the current political situation. The statement was issued through a press release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Tarique Rahman noted, "After the autocrat’s escape, post-uprising Bangladesh has been grappling with turmoil. On one hand, the long-standing grievances of people deprived of rights for over a decade and a half, and on the other, the flames of revenge stoked by the fugitive autocrat, have created a murky scenario. Over the past 15 years, the fugitive autocrat built mountains of irregularities in various sectors and stripped the people of their rights. Now, people from all walks of life are coming to the streets to demand the restoration of those lost rights and the dismantling of those irregularities in a tyranny-free environment."

He added that the accomplices of the fugitive autocrat, who lost their illegal power and privileges, are attempting to exploit the people's legitimate movement to destabilize the government. "By blending with the protesters, conspirators are engaging in attempts to create anarchy in the country," Tarique Rahman claimed.

He emphasized that conspirators are weaving webs of plots around issues related to people’s rights, and there is a visible attempt to create orchestrated chaos across the country. "Signs of public impatience are becoming evident. The incidents that occurred in Dhaka and other parts of the country in recent days cannot be viewed as isolated. The activities of those attempting to destabilize the state’s stability have become alarming."

Calling on law enforcement to investigate whether sabotage is being carried out under the guise of public movements, Tarique Rahman said, "Students who played a courageous role on the frontline of the people’s movement against the mafia government—why have they suddenly turned so vindictive against one another? This question looms large. Why would students engage in vandalism or arson after such a successful public uprising? These incidents must not be taken lightly. Vigilance must be increased."

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He further urged the interim government to prioritize addressing people's daily hardships, stating, "The interim government must remember that due to the current market conditions, millions of families are forced to compromise daily between their desires and means. Under such dire circumstances, prioritizing 'reforms' over 'subsistence' is not unusual for many."

Tarique Rahman stressed the importance of market regulation, warning, "If essential goods are not brought within the purchasing power of the public, conspirators might exploit this sensitive issue to destabilize the government. The accomplices of the fugitive autocrat are waiting for such an opportunity. The interim government must act urgently to ensure political and economic empowerment of the people, secure public trust, and maintain public confidence."

He advised the government to proceed cautiously, ensuring that its actions or words do not disrupt the unity forged by the sacrifices of countless students and citizens against autocracy. "The government must exercise prudence to ensure that nothing it does undermines the unity of the people and students."

Addressing the people, Tarique Rahman emphasized the importance of vigilance, stating, "The right to protest is a constitutional right of the people. However, everyone must remain alert so that anti-national forces and the fugitive autocrat do not derail the purpose of the public uprising. It is crucial to ensure that the vested interests do not divert the rightful demands of the people to serve their own agenda. Both the government and the people must stay vigilant against disruptive elements hiding at home and abroad."

To the interim government, he remarked, "This government has taken charge in an extraordinary situation. While trying to maintain stability in a fragile state left behind by the fugitive autocrat, any public grievances must be presented to the government in an orderly manner to prevent conspirators from exploiting the situation. Every democracy-loving and freedom-loving citizen must play a responsible role to establish equality, human dignity, and social justice in a mafia-free Bangladesh achieved through the sacrifices of countless martyrs."

Tarique Rahman concluded by calling on the people to show patience, saying, "Give the government a little more time. Stay calm and keep a vigilant eye on the situation. Regardless of party, faith, or background, we must all remember that any failure to overcome conspiracies with wisdom on the path to establishing democracy could cost freedom-loving people dearly."