BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today virtually addressed at the Bangladesh-China Friendship International Conference Centre in the capital. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Aug 19, 2025 (BSS) - BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today called upon all democratic political parties to maintain unity saying if distance is created among parties, it will facilitate the rise of the fallen fascist force.

"Comments of some political parties have raised various questions in people’s mind. If distance is created among democratic political parties, it will make it easier for the fallen, defeated, and fugitive fascist forces to rehabilitate themselves," he said.

He was addressing as the chief guest at a discussion marking the 45th founding anniversary of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal at the Bangladesh-China Friendship International Conference Centre in the capital.

Swechchasebak Dal President SM Jilani presided over the discussion which was moderated by its General Secretary Rajib Ahsan.

Tarique Rahman said the interim government has set February, 2026 as the tentative time for the national election. The people will get the opportunity to exercise their voting rights fearlessly after more than a decade and a half.

Tarique Rahman said fascism can never be stopped by the constitution or written rules and regulations. There is no alternative to politically empower the people to stop fascism, he added.

"The practice of exercising the right to elect public representatives through direct voting strengthens the people in the state and politics," he added. 

Citing that no one was safe during the fascist era, Tarique Rahman said, "We must remember that during the time of autocratic rule, none of us were safe. None of our families were safe. For this reason, if the opportunity for democratic transition cannot be utilized and the people cannot realize their rights, the entire country will face problems."

Tarique Rahman presented various development plans of his party on the occasion.

He said if BNP is voted to power, it would plant 250 million trees across the country in the next five years.

To protect the country from floods and droughts, and to ensure irrigation facilities for farmers and water facilities for people, we will restart the canal excavation program, he added.

BNP Standing Committee Members Selima Rahman, Nazrul Islam Khan and Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Joint Secretaries General Habibun Nabi Khan Sohel and Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Organising Secretary Fazlul Haque Milon, Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Volunteer Affairs Secretary Abdul Kader Bhuiyan Jewel, among others, spoke as the special guests.