Wednesday
02 September, 2026
News Flash
News Flash
DHAKA, Sept 2, 2026 (BSS) – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman still bears the scars of torture he endured during his detention under the military-backed caretaker government after 1/11 changeover, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman today.
“September 3 is the release day of our beloved leader and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Our beloved leader was arrested without a warrant and subsequently subjected to inhuman torture. He still bears the scars of that torture,” he said.
Ruman was addressing a discussion organised by the Uttaranchal Chhatra Forum at the Jatiya Press Club here this morning marking the 19th anniversary of the Prime Minister’s release from imprisonment.
He said the Prime Minister himself has said that he does not want to look back on those days. “If we keep dwelling on that painful past and seek revenge, it would take more than five years to bring it to an end," he said.
Ruman said that if the government spent the next five years seeking revenge, the aspiration of the people, who made Tarique Rahman Prime Minister through their votes, would not be fulfilled.
“Therefore, our beloved leader Tarique Rahman wants to push the memories of the difficult days behind and move forward by developing the country,” he said.
The Additional Press Secretary said conspiracies were launched at home and abroad to tarnish the image of Tarique Rahman during the previous period when the BNP was in power.
“We have to remain alert against these conspiracies so that the good works of our beloved leader are not undermined,” he said.
He urged leaders and activists of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal and BNP to work together to make the Prime Minister’s good initiatives successful.
Ruman recalled the words of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman that the people are the source of all power.
“The people of this country proved it during the Liberation War in 1971. They ousted the autocratic Ershad regime and the 1/11 government. Most recently, students, the people and various political parties jointly fought in July and ousted the monstrous autocrat Sheikh Hasina,” he said.
Ruman said the memories of the difficult days came vividly before his eyes on the 19th anniversary of the Prime Minister’s release from imprisonment.
“We have observed this day every year over the past 19 years, and we are observing it today as well. But today’s situation is completely different from that of those difficult days,” he said.
He said the successful organisation of today’s programme was itself proof of the change in circumstances.
“During those days, people faced the wrath of the autocratic regime, imprisonment and various forms of torture while observing this day, yet they did not remain silent,” he said.
Ruman said BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Power and Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku, Information Minister Barrister Andaleeve Rahman Partha and State Minister for Land Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin had extended their support.
“We informed journalists that we would hold the programme and informed only trusted leaders. We invited them somewhat discreetly and did not let the administration know where and when the programme would be held,” he said.
The Additional Press Secretary said journalists were informed only two to three hours before the event.
“At that time, I remembered many journalists who extended tremendous support to us, which was unparalleled. With their support, we received publicity, gained encouragement and were able to make our programmes successful,” he said.
Ruman presided over the discussion. Prime Minister’s Political Adviser and BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, State Minister for land and adviser to the Uttaranchal Chhatra Forum Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, Dhaka District Jubo Dal Convener Nazmul Hasan and Amra BNP Paribar Member Secretary Krishibid Moksedul Momin Mithun, among others, attended the discussion.
