BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday stated that the long wait of families for their disappeared loved ones has become a “great burden” for the state, emphasizing that only a democratic government can ensure justice for victims of state-sponsored violence.
He was speaking as the chief guest at a views-exchange meeting with the family members of those who fell victim to enforced disappearances, killings, and torture during the previous regime. The event, titled “Mayer Dak” (The Mother’s Call) and “Amra BNP Poribar,” was held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital.
A Debt to the Families
Addressing a hall filled with grieving families, Tarique Rahman highlighted the profound emotional toll of enforced disappearances. “Many children are still waiting for their missing fathers to knock on the door. Many mothers still hope their lost sons will return and call them ‘Ma.’ This waiting is a massive liability for the state,” he said.
He noted that words often fall short when trying to console families who have endured such deep-seated trauma. The BNP leader reaffirmed his party’s commitment to standing by these families despite various limitations.
Vigilance Against Anti-Democratic Plots
The BNP Chairman urged all believers in democracy to remain vigilant against those trying to obstruct the path of democratic transition. He cautioned that certain quarters are attempting to create controversies to derail the process, and he called for national unity to ensure they do not succeed.
Referring to his party’s resilience, Tarique Rahman said:
“Our leaders and activists did not go into hiding under the guise of strategy. I firmly believe that a party whose members can take such an uncompromising stance against injustice cannot be suppressed by conspiracies or propaganda.”
Justice Through a Democratic Government
Turning to the issue of electoral reforms and the Election Commission (EC), Tarique Rahman expressed concern over what he described as the EC’s “controversial role” in recent times. However, he maintained that as a responsible political entity, the BNP would continue to show patience.
He stressed that to establish justice for the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War, the 1990 anti-autocracy movement, the victims of the last 16 years, and the martyrs of the July-August 2024 uprising, a democratically elected government is essential.
Honoring the Sacrifice
Tarique Rahman promised that if the BNP forms a government, state initiatives will be taken to ensure the sacrifices of the disappeared and the martyrs are remembered across generations. This includes:
- Naming important national roads after the martyrs.
- Dedicating key government and private installations in their honor.
- Ensuring full state support and legal justice for the families of victims of state violence.
The meeting was attended by senior BNP leaders, including Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, and representatives from 900 affected families from across the country.
