Tarique Rahman turned anti-quota protest into mass uprising

Banglapress Published: 23 September 2025, 10:26 AM

Tarique Rahman turned anti-quota protest into mass uprising

Bangla Press Desk: What began as a student-led anti-quota movement escalated into a mass uprising that ultimately toppled the Awami League government. According to BNP Health Secretary Dr Rafiqul Islam, this monumental shift was not a matter of chance, but a deliberate and strategic orchestration masterminded by their party's acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Sun, he detailed how Tarique Rahman's profound political acumen was the pivotal force that steered the initially apolitical student protests towards their ultimate political objective: the resignation of Sheikh Hasina's government. When the movement appeared to be losing its momentum, it was Tarique Rahman who called for the now-famous one-point demand. This strategic masterstroke, which was initially met with derision by some student leaders, became the unwavering force that propelled the uprising to its final destination. Rafiqul Islam elaborated that Tarique Rahman's role was far more than that of a distant leader. He served as the very anchor of the movement, not only by strategising and organising it politically but also by personally standing by the students and the general populace in various ways. "The people of this country, who, long deprived of their fundamental rights and the right to vote, took to the streets to reclaim democracy. During the 36-day movement, countless BNP leaders and activists were martyred or gravely injured, while many others faced arrest and torture. Yet, in the face of such brutal repression, our party men never once wavered from the ideals of Tarique Rahman, continuing to demand justice even from within the confines of custody.”

The one-point movement: A brainchild of Tarique Rahman Explaining the transformation of the anti-quota movement, Rafiqul Islam stated that under the autocratic Awami League regime, the BNP had a consistent strategy: to turn constitutional movements into a broader democratic struggle by offering support, whether directly or indirectly. “Following this long-standing principle, when the anti-quota movement began in early July, the party meticulously observed the students' goals and direction. We carefully assessed how long the students could sustain their movement and when and how the party should tactfully engage.” The BNP leader further emphasised that Tarique Rahman and other senior BNP leaders played a masterful, tactful role in the July uprising. “When our Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir publicly announced the party’s support, it was a decision that came after exhaustive discussions within the party's top forum. This public endorsement sent an unmistakable message to the people about the BNP's stance, and from that very moment, party activists joined the students on the streets, transforming the anti-quota protest into a true mass movement.”

He acknowledged a critical juncture where the anti-quota movement seemed to be on the verge of fizzling out, appearing unlikely to progress further. However, he credited the relentless determination of their leaders and activists for carrying it forward to its ultimate, triumphant destination. The BNP health secretary stressed that the groundwork for the July uprising had already been laid through 15 years of continuous anti-fascist struggle. “Our acting chairman was exceptionally active during the July movement, coordinating BNP leaders and activists nationwide and constantly adapting strategies for success. He personally made phone calls for updates and gave instructions even when internet services were disrupted, and he also ensured that injured protesters, regardless of their political affiliation, received crucial support and treatment.” He said a moment of despair arose when student leaders were taken into the custody of the Detective Branch of police, causing many to believe the movement was over. “It was at this precise moment that Tarique Rahman rallied both the public and party members to escalate the struggle with the single-point demand of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. While some student leaders initially mocked or criticised this call, in the end, fascism collapsed through this very one-point. That idea was Tarique Rahman's brainchild." BNP men were the worst victims of the July uprising

According to Rafiqul Islam, at least 423 BNP activists were martyred, and thousands more were injured during the July movement. He lamented that many were critically wounded and permanently maimed, while others suffered long-term psychological trauma. He also noted with sadness that presidents and general secretaries of several BNP front and associate organisations were among those who were severely injured by gunfire from law enforcement agencies and ruling party men. Tarique Rahman stands by July warriors Acting on Tarique Rahman's direct orders, the BNP ensured that injured protesters received treatment in private hospitals, as many were denied care in public facilities due to police and ruling party interference, Rafiqul Islam said. "During the July movement, we stood by everyone, regardless of their party or political views," he said. "We arranged medical treatment for the injured, including frontline student leaders like Nahid Islam. In Dhaka alone, we assisted over 5,000 injured protesters. With Tarique Rahman's clear directive, we not only ensured their treatment but also provided vital financial support and comfort to the families of the martyrs." For security reasons, the BNP did not form a formal medical team. Instead, doctors from the Doctors' Association of Bangladesh (DAB) were discreetly instructed to treat the injured in their respective areas, the BNP health secretary said, expressing profound gratitude: "We deeply respect and thank everyone who risked their own safety to stand by the movement."

He also added that Tarique Rahman has since made a solemn pledge to provide full state support to the victims of the July movement should the BNP come to power, an initiative that would include naming public institutions after local martyrs. Role in ensuring peace after Hasina's fall Rafiqul Islam further revealed that Tarique Rahman also played a crucial and direct role in maintaining peace and stability after the Awami League government's collapse on 5 August 2024 in the face of the mass uprising. “Many had feared millions would perish in widespread chaos following Hasina’s fall, but thanks to Tarique Rahman’s strict directives, no major anarchy occurred, with only a few sporadic incidents. He made it crystal clear to leaders at every level that disorder would not be tolerated, and as a result, BNP activists actively resisted any attempts to unleash violence, ensuring that peace ultimately prevailed.” Standing by victims of 17 years of struggle The BNP leader recalled that even before the July uprising, their party had a long history of standing by its activists who faced killings, enforced disappearances, imprisonment on fabricated charges, or years spent in hiding. He cited poignant examples: "In 2013, an activist named Jony was shot in Khilgaon, but his pregnant wife could not get him to the hospital out of fear of the law enforcers. Others like Sumon from Sabujbagh and Zakir from Tejgaon were victims of enforced disappearances. Tarique Rahman consistently sent us to provide support to their families, so they would not lose courage." Standing by people during crises Tarique Rahman’s support also extended to citizens beyond party politics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, he formed a BNP relief committee, led by Iqbal Hassan Mahmud Tuku, with Rafiqul Islam as the member secretary. "At that time, very few came forward," he said, "but under Tarique Rahman's directive, we reached people nationwide with critical assistance." Similarly, Tarique Rahman extended his support during the Safe Roads Movement, an earlier anti-quota movement, led by DUCSU VP Nurul Haque Nur, and the most recent Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Popular among grassroots Finally, Rafiqul Islam explained that Tarique Rahman has earned deep popularity among grassroots BNP activists because he has consistently maintained contact- whether openly or secretly- with local leaders and workers, inspiring and helping them even during the darkest days of repression. He brought up the heart-wrenching case of Liton Mandal, a grassroots activist whose hand was severed in an Awami League attack. "Tarique Rahman ensured his complete treatment, arranged his accommodation in Dhaka, and rehabilitated him," he recalled. "On the very night Liton underwent surgery, Tarique Rahman stayed awake the entire night, constantly contacting doctors to monitor his condition." "For these reasons," Rafiqul Islam concluded, "Tarique Rahman has become not just a party leader but an undisputed one, admired not only by the central figures of the BNP but also by its dedicated grassroots activists. It is this very popularity that makes so many others jealous of him." This article was originally published on Daily Sun.

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Tarique Rahman turned anti-quota protest into mass uprising

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