Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has cautioned that the country is undergoing a significant political transitional period following the ousting of the autocrat through a mass uprising. However, he emphasised that the shadows of the dictator are still attempting to undermine the nation’s progress through conspiracy.

"The leader of the dictatorial regime has fled, but her shadows remain entrenched in various positions within the administration and society. They are attempting to conspire from their current posts," he remarked during a virtual address at a memorial meeting honouring veteran BNP leader and former minister Tariqul Islam, held at Town Hall ground in Jessore Tuesday.

The memorial meeting was organized by the BNP's Jessore District Unit of BNP to commemorate the sixth anniversary of Tariqul Islam's passing.

Paying tribute to Tariqul Islam, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman expressed his deep sense of loss, stating, "I feel the absence of an ideal and generous political figure like Tariqul Islam during this transitional period. Had an organisationally skilled politician like him been alive, we would have benefited from his invaluable insights for the welfare of both the country and the party."

Addressing various proposals for reform from multiple quarters, he questioned, "With all due respect, can changing a few lines in the Constitution truly be considered reform?" He elaborated, "As a political activist, I believe that genuine reform is defined by changes that improve people's lives, create employment opportunities, establish women's independence and rights, ensure public security, and provide access to quality education and healthcare."

With all due respect, can changing a few lines in the Constitution truly be considered reform? asks BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman

The memorial meeting was presided over by Jashore District BNP Joint Convener Delwar Hossain Khokon, with special guests including BNP Central Committee Assistant Organising Secretary Jayanta Kundu, Central Committee members Engineer TS Ayub, Abul Hossain Azad, Sabira Nazmul Munni, and District BNP Member Secretary Syed Saberul Haque Sabu.

Attending the event were Tariqul Islam's youngest son, Anindya Islam Amit, who is also the party's Acting Organizing Secretary for the Khulna division, as well as his wife, Professor Nargis Islam. Thousands of BNP leaders and activists from every upazila in Jashore and surrounding districts gathered at the memorial meeting, transforming the town hall ground into a sea of people well before the scheduled start time of 3:00 p.m. The crowd spilled into nearby streets and alleys.

Tarique Rahman emphasised that it is the BNP that has consistently advocated for reforms to bring about positive changes in the nation's fate. He referenced BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s focus on reforms outlined in her "2030 Vision."

"In 2023, we announced a 31-point outline for state reforms on behalf of the party, and shortly thereafter, we released another 31-point plan that included recommendations from all parties committed to restoring democracy," he said.

Regarding constitutional changes, the BNP Acting Chairman acknowledged that some adjustments are indeed necessary to align with the evolving global context. He stressed the importance of engaging in discussions with political parties to gather recommendations for the successful implementation of all reforms.

Recalling a conversation with the late Tariqul Islam during the crisis following the one-eleven, Rahman shared, "Amidst the strict surveillance of the administration, Tariqul advised me to stay strong, saying, 'InshaAllah, everything will be fine.' His words provided me with significant encouragement that day."

In closing, Tarique Rahman highlighted the notable political career of Tariqul Islam, noting that the country and its people are deeply feeling the absence of a leader of his calibre during this critical transitional phase.

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