Staff Correspondent

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday urged his party leaders and activists to remain alert against any conspiracy aimed at preventing voters from exercising their rights to elect public representatives through the ballot in the next national election.

“We want this message to reach everyone that we want around 12.5 crore voters of Bangladesh in the coming days to be able to express their opinions through the ballot. We must stay alert so that no one can conspire against this,” he said.

Addressing the triennial council of the Patuakhali district unit BNP virtually from London, Tarique said they often hear whispers and rumours about attempts to obstruct the election. “As followers of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, all our leaders and workers across Bangladesh must remain aware of these issues.”

The BNP leader said many of their leaders and activists have sacrificed their lives, been maimed, killed, persecuted and tortured to establish the people’s right to vote over the last 17 years. “So, we must make sure that no one can conspire against this right. We must stay alert.”

He also expressed the hope to see BNP leaders and activists on the country’s soil soon and urged them not to do anything that could harm the party’s image.

“If you do something that people dislike, every leader and activist--even the party itself --will have to bear its negative impact. That’s why I urge every leader and activist in all 64 districts of Bangladesh not to indulge in any activities that may cause public resentment against us,” Tarique said.

He directed party leaders and workers at all levels to win public trust through their good work and positive behaviour.

“Why should any of our colleagues do anything that may harm the party? If you see any of your colleagues doing something that could damage the party’s image or erode public trust, it is your duty not to let it happen,” the BNP leader said.

As members or leaders of the country’s largest political party, he said everyone must act responsibly and live up to people's expectations.

Tarique said it is the responsibility of every BNP member not only to strengthen the foundation of democracy but also to ensure that neither they nor any of their colleagues do anything that could damage the party’s reputation.

“Everyone must keep this in mind. Today, I give every leader and activist of the party this sacred responsibility. It is everyone’s duty to protect the party’s reputation at any cost. Those who damage the party’s image must not be given any kind of indulgence or protection,” he said.

As a major political party, Tarique said people expect BNP to take responsibility to ensure that no harm is caused to people’s lives and property. “If the administration seeks cooperation, BNP leaders and activists must assist in maintaining law and order and peace in their areas.”

He urged BNP leaders and workers not to take the law into their own hands, but to focus on building democracy on a strong foundation.

“Everybody says BNP is the biggest political party in the country. But like the eldest son in a family, being the biggest also brings some problems. It comes with greater challenges, greater responsibilities and greater sacrifices,” Tarique said.

He called upon BNP leaders and activists to practise tolerance, to listen to and respect differing opinions. “We may have differences of opinion, but we must sit with others, listen to them, and solve problems through discussion.”

The BNP leader said all parties are working to reach a consensus on reforms to stop the rise of any fascist system in the future.

He, however, said the claim that reforms are being delayed because of BNP is misleading and incorrect.

The BNP leader said the party has made compromises on many state reform proposals, even when it disagreed with them, to help lay the foundation for democracy.

“The BNP was the first to propose electoral reforms and state restructuring. Even during the consensus-building process, BNP made major compromises. Though we may not agree on many issues, we have made sacrifices for the sake of democracy, so that everyone can move forward towards elections. But that does not mean BNP will compromise on every issue.”