Awami League men flood to join Suhrawardy Udyan rally
Hundreds of Awami League leaders and activists are converging at Suhrawardy Udyan to attend a public rally organized to commemorate the historic homecoming day of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Supporters from various parts of Dhaka and the surrounding districts have been arriving since Wednesday (Jan 10) morning, creating a festive atmosphere.
They are entering the Suhrawardy Udyan with small processions through different gates, marking the occasion with exuberance following their resounding victory in the 12th national parliament election.
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Tarique Rahman: 'Beliefs Are Personal, but the State Belongs to Everyone'
Tarique Rahman, the Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), emphasized in a recent statement that “One’s political affiliation, belief, or religion is personal, but the state belongs to all, and everyone has the right to security.” Rahman shared the message on his verified Facebook page during the Durga Puja festivities, posting a photograph of people from different religious communities.
In a reflection on the core ideals of Bangladesh’s Liberation War, Rahman noted, “The essence of the Liberation War was rooted in equality, human dignity, and social justice. Irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or ideology, the freedom fighters sacrificed countless lives so that every citizen could freely enjoy their religious, political, cultural, and social rights. During that time, distinctions between Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or Christian were irrelevant.”
Rahman elaborated on the BNP’s political vision, stressing the importance of equal rights for all citizens. “Our policy is simple: every citizen of this country will enjoy equal rights and freedom. We believe that one’s political affiliation, belief, or religion is a personal matter, but the state is a shared entity, where security is a universal right. Whether Bengali or non-Bengali, believer or non-believer, reformist or traditionalist, our common identity is as Bangladeshis. This country belongs to all of us.”
He also rejected the idea of dividing people into religious or ethnic majorities and minorities, asserting that such distinctions have no place in a free and independent Bangladesh.
Durga Puja, the most significant festival for Bangladesh’s Hindu community, is being observed under unusual circumstances this year. In the wake of devastating floods, many within the community have opted to scale back the celebrations, diverting funds toward flood relief efforts. However, isolated incidents of vandalism have occurred, with reports of idols being damaged in some areas. In Sujanagar, Pabna, a member of the Awami League’s youth wing, Jubo League, was arrested in connection with the destruction of a Durga idol.
Treason Case Against Tarique Rahman Dismissed
The High Court has dismissed a treason case filed against BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman at Tejgaon Police Station in Dhaka.
The court issued the order to dismiss the case on Thursday, October 31.
On January 8, 2015, a case was filed at Tejgaon Police Station against Tarique Rahman and Ekushey Television Chairman Abdus Salam, alleging they colluded to spread false and misleading information, posing a threat to Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty.
Earlier, Tarique Rahman was acquitted in another treason case filed against him in Noakhali. On August 21, after reviewing the evidence and finding none, the court acquitted him of that case as well.