BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday unveiled what he described as a clear plan for Bangladesh and its people, invoking the legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr as he addressed a massive public reception on the July 36 Expressway after returning home following 17 years in exile.
“Dear brothers and sisters, Martin Luther King had a famous line – ‘I have a dream’. Today, standing on the soil of Bangladesh, I want to say before all of you, as a member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party: I have a plan for the people of my country, for my country,” Tarique Rahman said amid loud cheers from the crowd.
He said the plan is aimed at public welfare, national development and changing the fate of the people.
“To implement this plan, I need the cooperation of everyone – of all those present in this ocean of people, and of the democratic strength of the entire nation,” he added.
Beginning his speech with the words “Beloved Bangladesh,” the BNP leader repeatedly stressed peace, declaring, “We want peace – peace, peace.”
He iterated his pledge to build what he called “a Bangladesh that a mother dreams of.”
“Together, we will build a safe Bangladesh – where women, men and children can leave their homes and return safely. InshaAllah,” he said.
Recalling the country’s history of struggle, Tarique Rahman said the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War sacrificed their lives to build such a Bangladesh. He alleged that over the past 15 years, hundreds of thousands of people – political activists as well as ordinary citizens – had fallen victim to enforced disappearances, killings and torture under tyranny.
Referring to recent events, he said the sacrifices of the younger generation in 2024 reflected the continuation of that struggle to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty.
He also paid tribute to Osman Hadi, a young activist of the 2024 movement who was recently killed.
“Osman Hadi was martyred. He wanted democracy to be established and the democratic and economic rights of the people to be restored,” Tarique Rahman said.
He added that the blood of those martyred in 1971, in the recent movement, and during years of dictatorship must be honoured by building the Bangladesh they had dreamed of.
“If the blood debt of these martyrs is to be repaid, let us all work together to build the Bangladesh we hope for,” he said.
Warning of ongoing conspiracies, Tarique Rahman alleged that “agents of various hegemonic powers” were still active and urged patience and restraint.
He placed special responsibility on the younger generation, saying they must lead the country toward a democratic and economically strong future.
Calling for unity, he urged all political leaders – both on and off the stage – to work together.
“We must protect peace and order at any cost. We must remain calm in the face of any provocation,” he said, repeating, “We want peace in the country, we want peace in the country, we want peace in the country.”
Earlier, Tarique Rahman arrived at the rally venue aboard a red-and-green bus bearing the slogan ‘Bangladesh First’, waving to thousands of supporters lining the route. The Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight carrying him, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:40am after a stopover in Sylhet.
Following the rally, he is expected to visit his ailing mother, former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, at Evercare Hospital before returning to his Gulshan residence.