Cast first vote for BNP

Bangla Press Desk: BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday called upon students and the younger generation to remain vigilant and take an active role in resisting fascism, extremism, and radicalism in Bangladesh in the days to come. He also urged first-time voters to cast their ballots in favour of the “sheaf of paddy” – the BNP’s electoral symbol – in the upcoming national election. “I want to draw the attention of students, young people, and leaders and activists of Chhatra Dal across the country. The youth and students must stay alert and play a conscious role in preventing the rise – or return – of fascism, extremism, or radicalism in Bangladesh,” he said while addressing a massive student rally virtually from London. The event, organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) – BNP’s student wing – took place at the Shahbagh intersection in the capital on Sunday afternoon.

The rally began formally at 3:20pm with a recitation from the Holy Quran, marking the anniversary of the July uprising. JCD Central President Rakibul Islam chaired the event, which was moderated by General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir. Shahbagh and its surrounding areas turned into a human sea, as tens of thousands of leaders and activists from across the country gathered. Students from various educational institutions – including those outside Dhaka – joined the rally, along with families of the JCD martyrs who lost their lives during the July–August uprising. Tarique Rahman, considered the organisational guardian of JCD, joined the rally virtually at 3:14pm. He remarked that, 54 years after independence, the people of Bangladesh no longer want a politics rooted in vengeance. “We must build the Bangladesh that everyone hopes for,” he said.

Encouraging young voters, he declared, “Tarunner prothom vote, Dhaner Shisher jonno hok (Let your first vote be for the sheaf of paddy).” He urged JCD activists to spread this message to all students and first-time voters across the country. “Let us pledge today,” he added. “You must embrace whatever it takes to build the future Bangladesh – the one our martyrs dreamt of – and to make yourselves worthy of that mission.” Tarique pointed out that around 40 million new voters have joined the electorate over the past 15 years. “Though you are voters, the fascist clique has robbed you of your right to vote,” he claimed. He appealed for the support of all voters, particularly those who feel disenfranchised under what he termed the “rule of the fleeing dictator”, to seize this moment and help realise BNP’s vision of a self-reliant Bangladesh. He also called for a departure from traditional student politics. “We must move past the old ways. Let us replace political rhetoric with the politics of development. Only qualified leadership can take us forward. We must build the Bangladesh our martyrs envisioned.”

He praised the JCD’s role in last year’s uprising, citing the sacrifices made by its members. “The people are the true source of political power – for BNP and for all. During the July Uprising, hundreds of Chhatra Dal activists were injured and over 2,000 were arrested. A movement driven by brave sons like you cannot be suppressed.” He stressed the importance of technical education and skill development. “To compete globally, we must acquire technical knowledge and practical skills. If BNP returns to power, technical education will begin at the school level.” Tarique also announced plans to introduce at least two foreign languages in the curriculum alongside Bengali and English. “BNP wants to build Bangladesh the way a mother envisions it – with united efforts from both young and old,” he said. Speaking at the rally, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called on the public to vow never to allow the “ousted fascist Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina” to re-enter politics in Bangladesh.

“From today’s rally, let us swear that we will never allow Hasina to do politics in this country again. We must also swear that we will never bow our heads to anyone – we will build our country ourselves,” he said. He urged students and anti-fascist forces to remain united against any attempts to divide the country or create instability. Mirza Fakhrul accused Sheikh Hasina and her allies – who, he said, have taken refuge in India – of threatening Bangladesh and trying to stir unrest within the country. He reiterated BNP’s commitment to restoring democracy and establishing a truly democratic state. Referring to a recent meeting in London between Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman, Fakhrul mentioned discussions that suggest a national election may be held before next Ramadan. “The people are now waiting for that election,” he said. In his welcome speech, JCD President Rakibul Islam stated that no force in Bangladesh could stop Chhatra Dal. “If Chhatra Dal chooses, it can extract the poisonous teeth of the conspirators who want to destabilise the nation. If our organisational guardian Tarique Rahman gives the order, we can bring the entire country to a standstill,” he asserted. At the rally, JCD announced a nine-point pledge to address the expectations of students and citizens who participated in the historic 2024 mass uprising. Other speakers at the event included BNP Vice Chairmen Shamsuzzaman Dudu and Asaduzzaman Ripon, Chairperson’s Advisory Council Member Aman Ullah Aman, Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon, Habib Un Nabi Khan Sohel, Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, JCD Senior Vice President Abu Afsar Md Yahia, Joint General Secretary Shyamal Malum, and Organising Secretary Amanullah Aman. Former JCD leaders – including Nazim Uddin Alam, Kamruzzaman Ratan, ABM Mosharraf Hossain, Azizul Bari Helal, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Amirul Islam Khan Alim, Abdul Qadir Bhuiyan Jewel, Habibur Rashid Habib, Akramul Hasan, Fazlur Rahman Khokon, Iqbal Hossain Shyamal, Kazi Rawnkul Islam Shraban, Saif Mahmud Jewel, and Rashed Iqbal Khan – were also present. From early morning, JCD leaders and activists began gathering at Shahbagh from various districts and upazilas, including the central committee and capital-based units. A large stage was set up facing the TSC area. Many were seen wearing headbands and sashes featuring the JCD logo, while waving national and party flags. Slogans echoed through the streets, including: “The motherland is calling, Tarique Rahman is coming”, “Tarique Rahman will return home as a hero”, and “We didn’t leave the streets, no fear, Tarique Rahman.” To help attendees follow the proceedings, several large screens and projectors were installed. The rally caused significant traffic congestion around Shahbagh, as huge crowds filled the streets. Police had earlier blocked traffic on roads around Dhaka University and Matsyabhaban from the morning. JCD leaders confirmed that emergency vehicles, including ambulances, were allowed to pass through an alley between Aziz Super Market and PG Hospital, from Katabon junction to Hotel InterContinental. However, vehicles carrying JCD activists were not permitted to enter Dhaka University. Participants were instructed not to bring personal processions or showdowns to the event. After the rally, each unit was told to clean their designated areas before leaving. Ten health centres were set up in and around the venue to provide medical assistance if required. Earlier on Wednesday, JCD had announced a change in venue – from the Central Shaheed Minar to Shahbagh – despite having prior permission. At a press conference, Rakibul Islam explained that the move was made following a request from the National Citizen Party, which was scheduled to hold a rally at Shaheed Minar at the same time. This article was originally published on Daily Sun.

Bangla Press is a global platform for free thought. It provides impartial news, analysis, and commentary for independent-minded individuals. Our goal is to bring about positive change, which is more important today than ever before.

B P/SP