BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has emphasised that Bangladesh must never be allowed to become a sanctuary for extremism or fundamentalism, iterating a shared national responsibility to safeguard the country’s democratic and secular values.
Speaking at a view-exchange programme organised by the Jatiya Kabita Parishad at the National Press Club on Sunday, August 17, Tarique said, “Many speakers today have expressed a sentiment I fully share: this country should never become a safe haven for extremism or fundamentalism. That is our collective hope – and our goal.”
Held on the auspicious day of monsoon, the event brought together poets, intellectuals, and political leaders to reflect on national identity, cultural heritage, and democratic ideals.
Tarique Rahman highlighted the common ground between artists and political actors, saying, “The beliefs and convictions expressed here today, our stance on independence, sovereignty, and democracy, are fundamentally aligned. We stand together in rejecting the return of dictatorship, just as the people of Bangladesh rejected it recently.”
While acknowledging potential differences in political ideology, he stressed unity on core national principles. “You may not share our political ideology, and that’s not an issue,” he said. “What matters is that we are united in our unwavering commitment to the sovereignty and democratic future of this nation.”
Tarique Rahman underscored the importance of holding free, fair, and credible elections as the foundation of accountability. “The only rightful owners of this country are its citizens,” he asserted.
“To uphold this truth, we must all come together to defend people’s right to vote, to speak freely, and to live in a truly democratic society. Establishing an accountable system is not optional – it is essential,” he said.
The programme was chaired by Mohan Raihan, President of the Jatiya Kabita Parishad, who criticised the previous Awami League government for marginalizing poets and intellectuals, noting that many faced threats to their lives and creative freedom. He also pointed to a growing gap in understanding between political leadership and the cultural community.
In his welcome address, Kabita Parishad General Secretary Rezauddin Stalin warned against attempts to alter the electoral system, particularly through the introduction of proportional representation (PR). “Those advocating for PR in national elections are acting against the interests of our nation,” he said. “They are cultural and political adversaries who must be resisted. We will also confront any external forces seeking to destabilise our democratic process.”
The event was moderated by BNP Executive Committee Member Abdus Sattar Patwari and attended by several prominent figures, including Mahdi Amin (adviser to the acting chairman), Moudud Hossain Alamgir (BNP Media Cell Convener), Abu Sayeed Khan (Editor, Amader Somoy), Matin Bairagi (Jatiya Kabita Parishad Advisory Board Member), Vice-Presidents Anamika Haque Lily and ABM Sohel Rashid, Joint General Secretary Shyamal Zakaria, and Organising Secretary Nurunnabi Sohel.