Online Report : BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman declared that any government seeking to rule must first be accountable to its citizens, emphasizing that public will—not authoritarian control—must define governance in Bangladesh.

Speaking at a protest rally virtually in Ashulia marking the anniversary of the July 2024 uprising, Tarique said, “People didn’t sacrifice their lives to hand over power to a few individuals. They rose up to restore their rightful place in the state and government. If you want to govern, you must listen to the people.”
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Highlighting BNP’s central demand for electoral reform, he underscored that free and fair elections remain the most legitimate way for citizens to exercise political power.

“Elections are not just procedures—they are people’s voices. From local councils to national leadership, real democracy means citizens choose their representatives through transparent voting.”

Tarique argued that inclusive elections would ensure political stability and restore public trust in state institutions.

Referring to the July 2024 protests, he said the movement was led not by political activists but by workers, who had no personal political interests but marched for justice and dignity.

“Why did rickshaw-pullers, factory workers, and van drivers take to the streets? Because they knew that as long as fascism remains in power, their voices will never be heard, and no fair demand will ever be met.”

He alleged that dozens were killed in Ashulia, especially among garment workers, and that their bodies were burned to destroy evidence.

“The cruelty inflicted on the dead exceeded even the horrors of Karbala,” he said, calling the events “a state-led massacre.”

Concluding his speech, Tarique Rahman called for a fundamental political shift toward citizen-driven governance.

“Only when political leadership is shaped by the people can we truly reform politics and restore rights. That is our goal—and that’s what we will fight for.”