ছবি: গণসংবর্ধনা মঞ্চে বক্তব্য দিচ্ছেন তারেক রহমান। ২৫ ডিসেম্বর
BNP Acting Chairman Tareque Rahman has said, “We have a plan—for the people, for the country,” while addressing a massive gathering following his return to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile.
Standing before hundreds of thousands of supporters, Tareque Rahman began his speech with the words “Dear Bangladesh.” Referring to his vision for the country, he said the plan was aimed at serving the people and transforming the nation, stressing that its successful implementation would require cooperation from everyone.
Although he did not go into details of the plan in his first speech on home soil, he emphasized that changing the fate of the country’s people would not be possible without collective support. While he initially said “I have a plan,” he later corrected himself, repeatedly saying, “We have a plan.”
The speech was delivered on Thursday afternoon at a mass reception organized by BNP at the 300 Feet Road area in Purbachal. A large stage was set up on the July 36 Expressway, where Tareque Rahman spoke for about 16 minutes. Supporters from across the country gathered to welcome him. Prior to his speech, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed addressed the crowd and welcomed him home.
Addressing party leaders and supporters, Tareque Rahman referenced civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. He said that, as a member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, he wished to say, “I have a plan for the people of my country, for my country,” adding that the plan was designed solely in the interest of the people.
Calling for unity to implement the plan, he said national development and change in people’s lives would only be possible if everyone stood together and cooperated.
At the end of his speech, while waving to supporters, he returned to the microphone once more and reiterated, “Remember—We have a plan. We have a plan for the people, for the country. Insha’Allah, we will implement that plan.”
Call for Peace, Security, and Unity
Tareque Rahman repeatedly emphasized the importance of peace, law, and order. He said that regardless of religion, political affiliation, profession, or social class, everyone must ensure the safety and security of the people. He stressed that disorder must be rejected at all costs and that the safety of children, women, men, and people of all ages, professions, and religions must be guaranteed.
He arrived at the stage at 3:51 pm and began his speech at 3:57 pm. After leaving Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport shortly after 12:30 pm, it took him more than three hours to reach the venue due to the massive crowds lining the route.
Reflections on History and Recent Movements
Highlighting key moments in Bangladesh’s history, Tareque Rahman recalled the sacrifices of 1971, the events of November 7, 1975, and the mass uprising against autocracy in 1990. He said that despite these achievements, conspiracies against the country had never ceased.
Referring to the 2024 mass uprising, he said people from all walks of life—students, farmers, workers, women, and religious students—had come together on August 5, 2024, to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty. He also paid tribute to young people who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
He mentioned the recent killing of Osman Hadi, a participant in the 2024 movement, describing him as a martyr who dreamed of democracy and the restoration of people’s democratic and economic rights. He said the debt of blood could only be repaid by building the Bangladesh people aspire to.
Call for Patience and Inclusive Nation-Building
Warning of ongoing conspiracies by various vested interests, Tareque Rahman urged patience and responsibility, particularly from the younger generation, whom he said would lead the country in the future. He called for building a strong democratic and economic foundation.
He expressed his vision for an inclusive state where people from the hills and plains, and followers of all religions—Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians—could live safely. He said the goal was to create a country where everyone, regardless of age or gender, could leave home safely and return safely.
He noted that women make up half of the population, alongside millions of young people, children, persons with disabilities, farmers, and workers—each with expectations from the state. He said unity was essential to fulfilling those expectations.
Commitment to Justice and Democracy
Calling for calm in the face of provocation, Tareque Rahman urged supporters to avoid disorder and respond with patience. He emphasized governing the country based on justice, saying future leaders should strive to follow the principles of fairness and righteousness.
While he had previously spoken about national elections in virtual addresses before returning home, he did not address the issue in Thursday’s speech.
He also asked the public to pray for the recovery of his mother, BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, saying that although his heart remained with her at the hospital, he could not turn away from the people for whom she had dedicated her life.
Senior BNP leaders and representatives of allied and like-minded political parties were present on the front rows of the stage during the event.
repoter
