I have a plan for my country: Tarique Rahman

After returning to the country following nearly a decade and a half abroad, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman echoed the spirit of famed African-American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech, declaring, “I have a plan for my country.”

Calling on people to remain patient under all circumstances, he urged citizens to help maintain law and order in order to turn that vision into reality. “Together, let us work and build a safe Bangladesh,” he said.

Vowing to stand firmly against authoritarianism, Tarique Rahman repeatedly sought Allah’s mercy in his speech and pledged to build the country guided by the principles of justice exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). “We want to build a safe Bangladesh—one where women, men, and children can leave their homes safely and return safely. We will govern the country in the light of the Prophet’s ideals of justice,” he said, repeatedly telling the massive crowd, “We want peace in the country.”

He made the remarks on Thursday (December 25) while addressing a reception rally held at the ‘July 36 Expressway’ in Purbachal, on the outskirts of the capital.

As Tarique Rahman spoke—dressed in a white shirt and black trousers—BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, party standing committee members, including Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, and BNP Media Cell Chief Dr Maudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel, among others, were present on the stage.

Prior to his speech, Tarique Rahman posted a message on his verified Facebook page, praying: “O Allah, Owner of all sovereignty! You grant power to whom You will and withdraw it from whom You will; You honor whom You will and humiliate whom You will. All goodness is in Your hands. Surely, You have power over all things.”

In his address, he said that if Allah’s mercy, help, and blessings remain with the country and its people, Bangladesh would, Insha’Allah, be able to achieve its desired future.

Noting that half of the country’s population consists of women, alongside millions of farmers and workers, he said these groups have legitimate expectations from the state. “If we commit ourselves today, we can fulfill the hopes of these millions and crores of people,” he added.

Drawing parallels with the country’s past struggles, Tarique Rahman said that just as the people achieved independence in 1971, and as students, farmers, workers, homemakers, men and women from all walks of life united on August 5, 2024, to protect the country’s sovereignty, the people now want their right to speak freely restored. “They want their democratic rights back. They want fair rights based on merit. Dear brothers and sisters, the time has come for all of us to rebuild the nation together,” he said.

He further emphasized inclusivity, saying Bangladesh is home to people from the hills and the plains, and to followers of Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and other faiths. “We want to build a Bangladesh together—a Bangladesh that reflects the dreams of a mother,” he said.

Highlighting demographic realities, he noted that the country has more than four crore young people, around five crore children, about four million persons with disabilities, and several crore farmers and workers. “If we remain united and committed, we can fulfill their expectations, Insha’Allah,” he concluded.

DBTech/IH/Econ/OR