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Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday urged party leaders and activists to remain united despite differences of opinion, warning that any division within the party would create opportunities for “fascist forces” and infiltrators to regroup.
Addressing an organisational meeting of local BNP leaders at the Barishal District Shilpakala Academy during his daylong visit to the district, Tarique said the unity that helped the party withstand repression over the past 17 years must now be preserved to ensure success in the upcoming local government elections.
“Differences of opinion may exist, but they must never weaken our unity. We remained united during the most difficult times. We must maintain that unity in the days ahead as well,” he said.
Recalling the party’s struggle during the previous 17 years, he praised grassroots leaders and activists for keeping the organisation alive despite enforced disappearances, killings, arrests and political persecution.
“You sacrificed your time, money and even your family’s comfort to keep the party alive. At that time everyone stood beside one another. If you could remain united then, there is no reason why you cannot remain united now,” he said.
The Prime Minister cautioned party members against allowing “hybrid” politicians and hidden infiltrators to enter the party’s leadership.
“There were many conspiracies before the election, and those conspiracies have not ended. Some are still active inside the country while others are operating from abroad. We must ensure that hybrid elements and infiltrators do not find space in the party’s leadership,” he said.
Calling on party workers to prepare for local government elections, Tarique said organisational unity and grassroots consensus would be crucial for victory.
“We will certainly hold local government elections. After the monsoon we will discuss the schedule. But before that, you must strengthen unity and organisational preparation. Sit together and decide who will contest as chairman, who will become members and who will lead the party locally,” he said.
He also instructed party leaders to ensure peaceful observance of the upcoming major Hindu religious festival and prevent any untoward incidents.
“No one should get any opportunity to create communal tension. We must ensure that our Hindu brothers and sisters can observe their religious অনুষ্ঠান peacefully,” he said.
At the beginning of his speech, Tarique criticised what he described as corruption and large-scale financial irregularities during the previous government’s 17-year rule, alleging that development projects had been used to facilitate massive embezzlement and capital flight.
Quoting findings from an earlier white paper prepared by economist Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, he claimed that around Tk 16,000 crore had been siphoned out of the country annually during the previous regime.
He argued that development should not be limited to roads and bridges but must also focus on healthcare, education, water management and social welfare.
Highlighting his government’s priorities, Tarique said work had already begun to upgrade 51-bed upazila hospitals to 101-bed facilities and establish 1,000 children’s hospitals across the country. He also referred to the government’s Family Card and Farmers’ Card programmes, saying they reflected the administration’s commitment to fulfilling its election pledges.
The Prime Minister said his government inherited an economy facing severe challenges, including a weakened banking sector, deteriorating healthcare and education systems, and rising external pressures caused by the Middle East conflict and higher global fuel prices.
Using a family analogy, he urged party workers to act responsibly.
“When every member of a family keeps the house clean, the burden becomes lighter. Running the country is similar. Now that you are part of the governing party, you must act with responsibility and discipline,” he said.
