DHAKA, Jan 17 : Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman has alleged that some of the recent actions and positions taken by the Election Commission have raised controversy, which needed to be addressed.
Speaking at a discussion with families of victims of enforced disappearances, killings and torture at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, Rahman said it was “painful” to acknowledge the controversy surrounding the Election Commission, but stressed that the BNP did not want to escalate tensions.
“Although it is painful to say, we have recently seen some controversial roles and positions taken by the Election Commission, as a responsible political party, the BNP wants to exercise restraint.” Rahman said.
The event was organised by Amra BNP Paribar and Mayer Daak. Addressing the families present, Rahman said the depth of their suffering made it difficult to find words of comfort.
He urged all those who believe in democracy to remain alert, warning that attempts to derail the democratic process by manufacturing controversy must not be allowed to succeed.
“The BNP has made plans to ensure that the sacrifices of martyrs remain alive in public memory. However, due to certain obligations related to the Election Commission, I am unable to elaborate on those plans at this moment,” he added.
Regarding accountability for past abuses, Rahman said that justice for the victims of the alleged disappearances and killings can only be possible under a democratic administration.
Simultaneously, the state will take initiatives to ensure that the sacrifices of the deceased and victims of disappearances are remembered from generation to generation.
“Those who were martyred in 1971 to liberate this country, those who were martyred in the anti-dictatorship movement of 1990, those who were victims of disappearances and murders in the past 16 years, those who were martyred in the ’24 movement and the August 5 movement-a democratic government is definitely needed in Bangladesh in the coming days to establish justice for every injustice,” Rahman remarked.
Listing out the party mandate, the BNP chief said that if the group comes to power in the next polls, it will take steps to honour the sacrifice of those who died by dedicating the names of important roads and key public and private institutions to their namesake, so that future generations can draw inspiration from their sacrifices and the struggle for democracy.
(UNI)
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