Kamrul Hasan: BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is the ? right leader to free the nation from the oppression of autocracy and to restore the country’s independence, constitution, and democracy, said Rajib Ahsan, General Secretary of the Central Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal.

He made the remark on Thursday evening while addressing grassroots leaders at a views-exchange meeting organized by the Manikganj district unit of Swechchhasebak Dal at the Manikganj Shilpakala Academy auditorium.

The meeting was presided over by District Swechchhasebak Dal Convener Advocate Jinnah Khan and conducted by Member Secretary Advocate Rakibur Rahman. Among others, Central Executive Committee Senior Vice-President Yasin Ali, Vice-Presidents AG Masum Rasel and Md. Rafiqul Islam, Joint General Secretary Muhammadullah Chowdhury Faisal, Assistant Secretary for Information & Technology Golam Rahman Rajib, and Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs Mamun Bhuiyan also spoke.

Senior Joint Convener of the district unit Kazi Nadim Hossain Tuel, Joint Conveners Md. Zakir Hossain, Faruk Hossain Saidur, Kazi Rubayet Rashid Sabbir, Md. Shamsul Islam, Advocate Din Islam Mohim Khan, Tanvir Ankur Samrat, Moinul Islam Sharif, Md. Saddam Hossain, Khalid Babu, Jony Khan, Md. Saddam Hossain Roni and many other leaders of BNP and its front organizations were also present.

Rajib Ahsan said, “Martyred President Ziaur Rahman called for independence to save the country and the nation from repression and persecution. Responding to his call, people of all faiths and communities joined the Liberation War and achieved the red-and-green flag of Bangladesh. Today, too, the nation must unite for its welfare, setting aside divisions.”

He added that it was due to the foresight and leadership of Tarique Rahman that the autocratic ruler was forced to leave the country on August 5, 2024, in the face of the BNP-student-public movement. “This historic victory freed the nation from fascism. To preserve this achievement, a national election is now indispensable,” he emphasized.

Warning the interim government, Rajib said, “If a national election is not held within the first half of February, they will have to face accountability.” He further remarked, “Floodwaters cannot be stopped by building dams; similarly, no conspiracy can withstand BNP’s popularity. The people will give the right answer in the coming election.”

Calling elections the only solution to the current crisis, he accused the “fascist Awami League of plotting fresh acts of sabotage and creating anarchy across the country.” He urged people to build united public opinion to resist such forces.

Terming Manikganj a stronghold of BNP, Rajib Ahsan called upon leaders and activists to strengthen the organization further and ensure the victory of the sheaf of paddy symbol in every constituency of the district.

Over a thousand leaders and activists from seven upazilas, 65 unions, two municipalities, and 18 wards of Manikganj took part in the event.

In conclusion, he sought prayers for the quick recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and for the good health and long life of Tarique Rahman.