BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman said the party never went underground or paused its activities or disguised itself despite years of continued enforced disappearances, killings and torture of its leaders and supporters.

He made the remarks at a views-exchange on Saturday, January 17, with families of victims of enforced disappearances, killings and torture during the anti-fascist movement.

Tarique said he had been forced to stay away from the country, relatives and party members for many years. Even from abroad, he said he tried to protest injustice and help build resistance on the streets with leaders, activists and grieving families across the country. “We have stood by them as much as possible, despite many limitations,” he told the event.

He said thousands of BNP leaders and activists faced torture, disappearance or death during what he described as a fascist period. More than 1,50,000 party leaders and activists were charged in politically motivated cases, he added, leaving around 60 lakh supporters carrying the impact of those cases. Many became homeless or were forced to live away from their families for long periods.

Tarique said the “dark days” of disappearances and killings had now ended and the country was returning to a democratic path. “We have passed through a difficult time. Many children are still waiting for their fathers to knock on the door. Many mothers still hope their children will return home,” he said.

He acknowledged that the anti-government movement had at times been turbulent and at times quiet, but said BNP never adopted a hidden posture in the name of strategy. “The party remained uncompromising against injustice,” he said. He added that any future democratic government carries a responsibility to the families of those who were disappeared or killed. “The state can never forget your sacrifice.”

Tarique said BNP has plans to honour victims, including naming government buildings after those he described as martyrs. He also said the party had acted responsibly despite what he called the Election Commission’s controversial role.

He accused some groups of trying to block the path back to democracy, but said such attempts would fail.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Treasurer Rashiduzzaman Millat, BNP Chairman’s Adviser Tahsina Rushdir Luna, Deputy Mass Education Secretary Anisur Rahman Talukder Khokon, National Executive Committee Member Hummam Quader Chowdhury, ‘Amra BNP Paribar’ Convener Atiqur Rahman Rumon and ‘Mayer Dak’ Coordinator Sanjida Islam Tuli also spoke at the event, jointly organised by Amra BNP Paribar and Mayer Dak.