We don’t want to return to pre-5 August situation: Tarique

Bangla Press Desk: BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said the country does not want to return to the situation that prevailed before 5 August 2024, acknowledging that while problems existed in the past and continue to exist, reverting to the earlier state is not the solution.

“Our problems existed, and they still exist. But we certainly do not want to go back to the pre-5 August situation,” he said.

He made the remarks at a meeting with media professionals organised by BNP at Hotel Sheraton in the capital’s Banani.Reflecting on different events, Tarique Rahman said, “If I think from my own position, on one side there is a funeral from 1981, on another side a funeral from 31 December 2025, and on the other side the incident of 5 August 2024. If BNP forms the government, it will steer the nation on the right path.”

He said these examples were not only relevant to him personally but also to the leaders, activists and members of his party, as well as to the people of the country as a whole. “These are perhaps the clearest examples of why there is no reason for us to return to the situation before 5 August,” he added.Warning against violence and revenge, the BNP chairperson said the consequences of violence, retaliation and vengeance -- whether by an individual or a political group -- were evident from the events of 5 August.

“That is why I would urge everyone, regardless of party affiliation, to accept that differences of opinion will exist. If we make an effort, many of these issues can be resolved through discussion while keeping those differences intact,” he said.

He, however, cautioned that differences of opinion must not turn into divisions. “When differences escalate into division and the nation becomes fragmented, we have seen what the consequences can be,” he said.

Tarique Rahman noted that despite widespread frustration expressed by many people, there remains a sense of hope. “The hopeful sign is that people are still thinking about the future and have plans for it,” he added.

BP/SP