BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has conveyed his heartfelt Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to all Muslims in Bangladesh and around the world. The message was posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account as the nation celebrates its first Eid in freedom after a historic uprising in 2024.
In his Eid message, Mr. Rahman stated, "As the people of Bangladesh and Muslims around the world mark the Eid-ul-Fitr, I extend my heartfelt greetings – Eid Mubarak to all. For seventeen years, the oppressed people of Bangladesh prayed for the day they could celebrate Eid in a free and democratic nation - one where tyranny no longer silenced their voices."
He highlighted the significance of this year's Eid, marking the first such celebration in nearly two decades following the end of autocratic rule. "In 2024, those prayers were answered. Through a historic mass uprising, at the cost of more than two thousand lives, Bangladesh broke free from the chains of dictatorship. This Eid, for the first time in nearly two decades, we celebrate this blessed day after the holy month of Ramadan in a country liberated from autocratic rule."
Mr. Rahman expressed profound gratitude and offered prayers for the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation's freedom and for those still bearing the scars of the struggle. He called for unity and compassion during this festive occasion.
"With profound gratitude to the Almighty Allah, I offer prayers for the souls of the martyrs who gave their lives for this freedom and for those who continue to bear the wounds of that struggle. On this occasion of universal unity, I call upon all Bangladeshis, including leaders and activists of the @bdbnp78, to share the joy of our first Eid in a tyranny-free nation with the families of those who lost loved ones and those who were grievously injured."
He further urged those with the means to support the less fortunate and to spread joy within their communities. "To those who have the time and means, I urge you to take care of those in your community, to extend a hand of friendship to your fellow country men and women. Go and share a meal with children in orphanages—young souls who, in the absence of family, must celebrate Eid within their institutional homes. Grant your support to the less fortunate, ensuring that economic hardship does not rob them of this moment of joy."
Addressing potential challenges related to the Eid travel, Mr. Rahman appealed to transport operators. "I appeal to transport owners and workers to refrain from imposing excessive fares, allowing homebound travellers to reunite with their families for Eid, without undue burden."
He also cautioned citizens to remain vigilant against forces seeking to destabilize the newly won peace. "Even as we celebrate, forces of the past remain intent on destabilising our nation. I urge all citizens to remain vigilant and united, ensuring that those who seek to disrupt this hard-won peace cannot exploit the Eid holidays for their agenda. If we fail to stand together, we risk allowing these forces to undermine our historic victory."
Concluding his message, Mr. Rahman called upon the armed forces and law enforcement agencies to maintain heightened security during the Eid period. "Finally, I call upon our patriotic armed forces and law enforcement agencies to maintain heightened vigilance during Eid, preventing those who seek chaos from inflicting harm on public life and property. May this first Eid in a free Bangladesh be one of peace, unity, and shared joy for all. I pray to Allah for this blessing."
Tarique Rahman's message resonates with the celebratory yet cautious mood across Bangladesh as the nation marks its first Eid-ul-Fitr in a new era of freedom and democracy.
