BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has reiterated that the people of Bangladesh are the only source of political power for the party and its nationalist movement. Addressing members of the BNP’s student wing, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), Tarique called on young leaders to move forward with bravery and honesty, assuring them that the pro-democracy public would continue to support them.

Speaking as the chief guest at a rally held in Dhaka’s Shahbagh on Sunday to commemorate the martyrs of the July Uprising, Tarique Rahman joined virtually from London. The event was organized by Chhatra Dal to honor those who sacrificed their lives during the democratic movement.

In his speech, Tarique described the JCD members as the face of Bangladesh’s future, filled with potential and hope. "Right before me is the future of Bangladesh," he said. "You represent millions of promising faces, and it is you who will shape the coming days. In a Bangladesh free from fascism, you will establish your rights and freedoms."

He emphasized that the dreams of countless martyrs would only be realized through the collective wisdom, experience, and action of both the older and younger generations. "With the guidance of the seniors and the intelligence and initiative of the youth, we will build the Bangladesh envisioned by our fallen heroes," he stated.

Tarique also paid tribute to the thousands of JCD activists who, over the last fifteen years, have suffered during the anti-authoritarian struggle. According to him, many were subjected to politically motivated lawsuits, violent crackdowns, imprisonment, torture, enforced disappearances, and killings. Referring to the July Uprising in particular, he mentioned that over a hundred JCD leaders and activists, including Chattogram’s Wasim, lost their lives while thousands more were injured. More than 2,000 student activists were arrested during this period alone.

Despite what he described as relentless repression by a "defeated fugitive dictator," Tarique affirmed that the march of Chhatra Dal could not be halted. "Today’s massive gathering of students and citizens proves once again that the spirit of resistance remains strong," he said.

He repeated his message to the student leaders: "If you continue with courage and honesty, the democracy-seeking people of Bangladesh are with you and will remain by your side in the future, Insha’Allah. Always remember — it is the people of Bangladesh who are the true source of BNP’s political strength and that of the broader nationalist movement."

The rally was presided over by Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib and moderated by the organization’s General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also addressed the gathering, expressing solidarity with the student activists and commemorating the sacrifices made during the struggle for democracy.