Don’t rush into serious decisions

Stating that the government should not make any hasty decisions regarding constitutional matters, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday called upon all to maintain national unity at any cost to resist any plot by the evil quarters.
Exchanging greetings virtually with the Hindu community members, the BNP leader said there are ongoing discussions among the political parties and also within the government regarding the formation of the interim government. “Some are raising questions about why the interim government has been sworn in under the current constitution or whether it is a revolutionary government.”
Tarique, who is staying in London, said such questions could hinder the government’s dynamism, which may ultimately lead to a diversion from its objectives.
“So, the BNP thinks it is essential to avoid making hasty decisions on matters directly related to national security or constitutional provisions. Instead, a well-thought-out and well-considered approach should be followed, making it easier to address any future challenges.”
The BNP leader said some differences among the political parties have surfaced after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime on August 5. “But I believe our goal is the same — establishing a discrimination-free, democratic, and humane Bangladesh. Therefore, BNP does not see any room for misunderstanding among the political parties.”
Tarique said he believes that if the people’s political and economic empowerment is secured, no one will be able to deprivethem of their freedom.
He also said the BNP believes the interim government must succeed as its failure would be a setback for the pro-democratic and pro-Bangladesh forces.
He urged the members of different religious communities not to be misled by any conspiracy or rumour spread by the Awami League’s associates.
Greeting the members of the Hindu community, Tarique said, “We have just one message: whether you are a believer, non-believer, skeptic, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, or from an indigenous community, this Bangladesh is for all of us. It’s not about being a so-called minority or majority; our only identity is that we are all Bangladeshis.
“As citizens of Bangladesh, your rights are just as important as mine. The interests of Bangladesh must come first for all of us. In governance and administration, we will prioritise meritocracy. The principle of the BNP is that everyone in this country will enjoy equal rights,” he said.
Narrating the injustices and oppression faced by Hindus and different other communities over the 15 years of the AL rule, the BNP leader said the pro-Bangladesh forces are now united to create a state and society where people of all religions and backgrounds will safely celebrate their religious programmes in the future.
“Our message to everyone is clear: religion is for individuals, and everyone has the right to security. So, I humbly urge you not to respond to any provocations from the fugitive dictator and their associates. Please do not listen to any rumours or gossip,” he said.
Tarique said that the defeated forces created communal tensions over the last 15 years to serve their own interests.
Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Kalyan Front organised the event at the Dhaka Ladies Club in the city’s Eskaton to greet the members of the Hindu community and exchange views with them on the occasion of the Durga Puja, which was celebrated on October 9-12.
BNP standing committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and AZM Zahid Hossain, and Gonoforum General Secretary Subrata Chowdhury, among others, addressed the programme, with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in the chair.