Tarique Rahman, hours after his return to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile, sounded a note of unity and invoked the spirit of US civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr, saying he has a plan to make Bangladesh a peaceful and secure nation.
“Have you heard of Martin Luther King?” he asked a crowd of hundreds of thousands of supporters gathered at his reception rally at the July 36 Expressway in the capital’s Purbachal today (25 December), where he went directly from the airport.
Tarique said, “He said, ‘I have a dream.’ I am saying, ‘I have a plan for the people of my country, for my country.'”
He went on to add that his plan would succeed if the democracy-loving people of Bangladesh were with him.
Tarique expressed gratitude to Allah, saying, “I have been able to return to the country by the grace of Almighty Allah.”
He said, “In 1971, we achieved this country through bloodshed. Later, through the military rebellion, the 1990 protests, and in 2024, with the participation of students and all people, we have protected our independence and sovereignty.
“Today, the people want to reclaim their rights; they want their voice to be heard. The time has come to rebuild our country together.”
Tarique said, “We want to build a safe Bangladesh, where every person can live securely. Half of this country’s population is women, and there are around 50 million youths, farmers, and workers. It is time to ensure their safety and security.
“We have lived under a fascist regime, facing fabricated cases and abuse for the past 15 years. We have seen how students sacrificed their lives to protect sovereignty. Recently, Osman Hadi was killed; he, too, wanted people to live safely. We must remain united to honor the sacrifices of these martyrs.”
The BNP acting chairman said, “Conspiracies are still ongoing. So we must stay alert and united. We must maintain law and order and restore peace in the country. As a member of BNP, I want to say: ‘I have a plan for the people and for the country.'”
During the reception, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Amagir said, “We, on behalf of the people of Bangladesh, are here to welcome Tarique Rahman. After a long 17 years, he has returned to the country.
“The country’s leader, Khaleda Zia, is not physically well. We pray for her recovery so she can return safely. At the same time, we pray to restore democracy. Today, we welcome Tarique Rahman,” he added.
BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said Tarique Rahman is the leader who is determined to restore our future democracy.
The party’s Joint Secretary General, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, moderated the programme, which was attended by BNP central leaders, leaders of other political parties, and people from all walks of life.
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