Conspiracies emerging ahead of polls: Tarique

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has issued a stark warning of emerging conspiracies aimed at derailing the upcoming national elections, urging party leaders and activists to remain vigilant as Bangladesh approaches a critical democratic crossroads.

Speaking virtually at a discussion marking the 47th founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Tarique Rahman claimed that "invisible forces" are now visibly mobilising to obstruct the path to free and fair elections, the cornerstone of people’s rights and democratic transition.

The event, held at the Engineers Institution Auditorium, was attended by BNP standing committee members, senior leaders, and grassroots activists from across the country.

“InshaAllah, if we remain rooted in the people, no conspiracy can stop the BNP’s progress,” Tarique declared. “The roots of the BNP are in Bangladesh. Our journey has always been guided by the principles of democracy, justice, the rule of law, and the sovereignty of the people, and that will never change.”

Tarique Rahman stressed that national elections are the only legitimate way to establish a government accountable to the people. He warned against attempts by certain political actors to impose preconditions that could delay or sabotage the electoral process.

“Some parties are prioritising their own interests over the people’s rights,” he said, without naming specific groups. “By imposing conditions, they may be trying to create a calculated path to obstruct the election. That cannot be allowed.”

He reaffirmed the BNP’s long-standing demand for early elections, arguing that only through direct voting can the people exercise their democratic will.

“If an elected government fails to meet expectations, the people will have the opportunity in the next election to replace it through the ballot, this is how democracy works,” he said. “Textbook reforms mean nothing without the practice of democracy.”

While acknowledging that the current interim government came to power through the will of the people following the fall of what he termed the “defeated, fugitive fascist regime,” Tarique cautioned against its prolonged stay.

“I do not believe there is any logical basis to expect this caretaker administration to function like an elected, accountable political government,” he said. “The longer it remains in power, the greater the risk to democratic momentum.”

He warned that delaying elections under any pretext would not only weaken the unity of anti-fascist forces but could also create space for the return of ousted authoritarian elements.

“The defeated, fugitive forces are waiting, watching for opportunities,” he warned. “We must not give them that chance.”

Tarique Rahman called on all democratic parties to prioritise national interest over partisan gains.

“Instead of resorting to the illegal politics of blocking BNP’s rise, as the fugitive dictatorship once did, let us first form a government through elections that is accountable to the people of Bangladesh,” he said. “Once elected, we can then find logical, democratic ways to address the legitimate demands of all political parties.”

He urged relaxation of preconditions that could hinder the electoral process, saying: “The need of the hour is to clear the path for elections and institutionalise election-centric democracy.”

In a strong message to party cadres, he added: “None of us will tolerate mob violence. Our struggle is for constitutional democracy, not chaos.”

The BNP leader paid tribute to the thousands of martyrs and injured fighters who sacrificed their lives during the anti-dictatorship movements of the 1990s and the recent anti-fascist uprising of 2024.

“Their blood has opened the door to a fascism-free Bangladesh,” he said. “Now is the time to seize this opportunity, not to squander it.”

As the nation prepares for the February 2026 elections, Tarique Rahman’s speech signals the BNP’s determination to position itself as the standard-bearer of democratic restoration, while sounding the alarm over what it sees as growing threats to that vision.