BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that the main responsibility of the interim government is to establish a democratic, accountable government elected by the people in fascism-free Bangladesh, not to serve the interests of any particular political party.

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an event organised by the Matua Bahujan Samaj Oikyajote at the Krishibid Institute auditorium in the capital’s Farmgate area on Saturday.

Tarique said the interim government’s foremost task should be to ensure the establishment of a fascism-free Bangladesh where the rule of law, justice, and equality prevail.

“The work of this government is not to implement the interests of any party, but to create a democratic system accountable to the people,” he said.

Recalling what he described as years of political persecution under the previous regime, Tarique claimed that during the “period of dictatorship or fascism,” at least 1.5 lakh cases were filed against BNP leaders and activists across the country.

“More than 700 leaders and activists were abducted, disappeared, or murdered. Courts operated at night to deliver verdicts against BNP members without due process,” he alleged. “All of this happened because there was no rule of law in the country.”

Tarique said that under the “fugitive dictatorship,” citizens of all faiths and opinions – Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians – lived in fear. He cited examples such as the 2012 Ramu temple attacks and the 2016 Nasirnagar incident, saying there had been “no credible investigation or trial” in any of those cases.

He reiterated the BNP’s long-standing demand for the formation of a citizens’ inquiry commission comprising representatives of civil society, all parties, and all religions to ensure justice for attacks on minorities.

“Without justice and the rule of law, the security of any citizen – majority or minority – cannot be guaranteed,” he said. “Only justice and the rule of law can ensure safety for all.”

Tarique warned that the actions of certain groups within the ongoing political movement could unintentionally “pave the way for the return of the defeated fascist forces.”

“The evil forces of August 5 must not be allowed to hide behind any political banner,” he said. “We must remain alert so that no secret strategy destabilizes the country.”

He emphasised the need for anti-fascist national unity, noting that BNP has maintained a policy of cooperation and compromise with both the interim government and allied forces in the pro-democracy movement.

“BNP is a peace-loving, tolerant, and people-oriented party,” he said. “Respecting different views and parties has always been part of BNP’s political culture.”

Outlining parts of the BNP’s social and economic vision, Tarique said the party plans to introduce family cards for 50 lakh low-income households, registered in the names of female heads of families, if it returns to power.

He also mentioned plans to issue farmers’ cards to small and marginal farmers to help them become economically self-reliant.

Addressing youth unemployment, Tarique said the BNP intends to expand technical and vocational training to turn the country’s young population into skilled manpower capable of finding jobs both at home and abroad.

“Our goal is to build a Bangladesh where every citizen, regardless of religion or class, can live with dignity and opportunity in a truly democratic state,” he concluded.