Addressing the biennial district conference of BNP in Thakurgaon via video message on Monday evening, Rahman accused the ruling Awami League of pushing the nation toward authoritarianism over the past 15 years. He alleged that law enforcement agencies had been used for enforced disappearances, killings, and filing “false cases” against thousands of opposition activists.
Rahman further claimed that more than 30 million new voters were deprived of their right to vote in the 2014, 2018, and 2024 national elections, describing this as proof of the collapse of Bangladesh’s electoral system.
He said Awami League had even opened fire on students and ordinary citizens to remain in power, while leaving the economy, education, healthcare, agriculture, and employment sectors in crisis. “Mega corruption has flourished in the name of mega projects,” he alleged.
On political reforms, Rahman noted that differences among parties were natural but insisted that the ultimate decision should rest with the people. “It is the people who will decide who governs Bangladesh in the days ahead,” he stressed.
Warning of possible instability, he cautioned that if political parties bypass the people and take decisions unilaterally, disorder could emerge and authoritarianism might resurface.
Rahman reminded that BNP has already unveiled a 31-point program to govern the country, which includes reforms in the economy, education, healthcare, agriculture, and employment.
Speaking about the upcoming national election, he said it would be far from easy. He urged party leaders and activists to take an oath: first, to continue the movement until democracy is restored; and second, to establish a people’s government that fulfills the aspirations of citizens.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir inaugurated the conference. The event was also attended by BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu and Rangpur divisional organizing secretary Asadul Habib Dulu