Book on expectations and political philosophy surrounding Tarique Rahman’s return unveiled

Bangla Press Desk:  The cover of Ami Kono Agantuk Noi (I Am No Stranger), a book capturing expectations, political philosophy, analysis and literary reflections centred on the return of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, was unveiled at a publication ceremony in Dhaka on Wednesday.

The event was held in the Poet Shamsur Rahman Seminar Room at Bangla Academy on Wednesday afternoon, with the participation of prominent figures from the country’s political, academic and media circles.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury attended the programme as the chief guest, while Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Mahbub Murshed, publisher Mahbub Rahman and Dhaka University Prof Abdullah Al Mamun were present as special guests, alongside other noted personalities.

Speaking at the event, publisher and editor Mahbub Rahman described the book as a document of a political moment, saying it reflects the hopes, aspirations and expectations surrounding Tarique Rahman through poems, articles and political analysis.

The book has been compiled by Maruf Mallick and Ehsan Mahmud.

The publication focuses on issues including politics, democracy, economic empowerment, state–people relations, tolerance and shifts in political culture following Tarique Rahman’s return. It raises questions about whether he will implement the 19-point programme of martyred President Ziaur Rahman, advance the democratic struggle of Khaleda Zia, or chart a new political path to meet the aspirations of disenfranchised people.

Through poetry, essays and analytical writings, the book explores how the slogan ‘Bangladesh first’ could be realised and how a safe and inclusive state can be built for people of all religions, castes and opinions.

The volume includes poems by Abu Saleh, Enayet Rasul, Abdul Hai Sikder and Rezauddin Stalin, alongside articles by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Dr Maruf Mallick, Dr ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon, Faruk Wasif, Mahbub Murshed, Salah Uddin Shuvro and several other writers.

Addressing the ceremony, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said Tarique Rahman’s return was not merely a celebratory moment but a symbol of deep political expectations. “A major change has taken place in the psyche of the people of Bangladesh. If this change cannot be accommodated, BNP itself will have no future,” he said.

He stressed the importance of tolerance, freedom of expression and humane politics, noting that political leadership must be able to tolerate media criticism. Referring to Tarique Rahman’s stance on cartoons and caricatures, he said there had been a 15-year movement to protect the right to draw cartoons and ensure media freedom.

Highlighting economic democracy, he said the power of the state must be reduced while the power of the people strengthened, emphasising women’s empowerment, rural development, small entrepreneurs, digital employment and development through partnerships among the government, private sector and NGOs.

Speaking at the event, compiler Ehsan Mahmud said the book was neither self-centred nor flattering. He noted that reactions on social media following its announcement revealed a crisis in media literacy and political understanding.

Explaining his role as a compiler, he said the authors had articulated the kind of Bangladesh they wished to see.

“If BNP gets the opportunity to run the state after a long fascist rule, this book cautions how to build a democratic, humane and tolerant state without slipping into another fascist path,” he said, adding that the book was not a tribute to any party but an attempt to raise responsible questions about a possible political future.

BP/SP