BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday welcomed the initiative by students who led last year’s uprising to form a political party.
However, he warned that if the new party is seen as enjoying the support of the state and the current administration, it could disappoint the public.
Speaking virtually at a discussion, Tarique also noted that focusing on controversies surrounding the national elections would only strengthen the position of the defeated fascist forces.
The event, titled "Jatiya Shikkhak Dibos and Shikkhak Samabesh," was organized by the Jatiya Shikkhak Karmachari Oikya Jote at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, to mark the 89th birth anniversary of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.
Tarique said: "The country’s students and youth have become interested in the state and the political system, which is certainly a positive development."
He added that young people have not had the opportunity to vote in any election in the last one and a half decades.
“If these young people, deprived of their democratic and political rights, form a new political party to establish the rights of the people, BNP certainly welcomes this initiative. However, if anyone seeks state or administrative support to form a political party, it will only disappoint the public,” the BNP leader said.
Tarique further said that if the behavior, comments, or statements of those intending to form a new party are antagonistic or vindictive towards other political parties, it would be seen as undesirable by the people.
"Today`s youth are the future of Bangladesh. They will create a new path, but not in a questionable manner. The path should be transparent and straightforward," Tarique said.
He also described any misunderstandings or unnecessary arguments between the interim government and pro-democracy forces as a waste of time.
"However, I would like to draw the attention of the government and urge that if the people can patiently accept its failures in various areas, those in government must demonstrate even more patience and tolerance," he added.
As BNP continues to pursue politics for the welfare of the people, he reiterated that the party aims to ensure both political and economic empowerment for the public.
“Elections are one of the main effective tools to ensure the political power of the people. Creating controversy over the electoral process only strengthens the position of the defeated fascist forces,” Tarique warned.
He also instructed party leaders and activists at all levels to remain vigilant to prevent confusion or provocation over their activities.
“The people are the source of BNP`s political power, and as long as the people are with us, no conspiracy will be able to defeat us, Inshallah,” Tarique said.
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