New conspiracy unfolding against BNP, democracy, BD: Tarique

Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of BNP virtually addressing an iftar organised by the Zia Cyber Force at a local hotel on Monday, UNB

Dhaka, Mar 17 – BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday warned that a new conspiracy is steadily unfolding by a vested group against the BNP, democracy and the very existence and independence of Bangladesh.

"Those of us involved in politics have been speaking about a plot for the past few days. A plot is once again unfolding. We are not saying this merely as political rhetoric or to attract people’s attention. Genuinely, a serious conspiracy is gradually being hatched against Bangladesh’s existence, sovereignty, democracy and the nationalist forces," he said while virtually addressing an iftar mahfil.

Zia Cyber Force organised the iftar event in honour of the members of Jatiyatabadi Online Activists at a city hotel.

Tarique said there had been a plot in the past against the country, its people and democracy.

In recent days, he said, they have observed that the BNP has been subjected to a media trial, as the party holds the brightest chance of gaining majority support from voters in a neutral and transparent election.

The BNP leader also mentioned that he had come across media reports on Monday involving party leaders and activists in an untoward incident.

After gathering information from the party’s central office, he discovered that the incident was presented in a misleading manner in the newspaper.

“A vested quarter, or those conspiring against the BNP, the nationalist forces, and the independence and sovereignty of the country, are gradually trying to create a scenario similar to the media trial the BNP was subjected to during the 1/11 political changeover, by using certain media houses to which they are connected,” Tarique observed.

Tarique called upon the nationalist cyber forces to be vigilant about such plots, saying, "Those of you who are online activists must realise this."

He also urged pro-BNP online activists to play a crucial role in countering such plots by circulating facts and genuine information on social media.

"I have a special request to you… There may be differences of opinion among you. But in the context in which you have started working, BNP feels that the cooperation of all its online activists is now more necessary than ever. If you work together, you will be able to present to the public what BNP wants to do in the coming days with arguments and deliver it to the people's homes," the BNP leader said.

He recalled with gratitude the role of the pro-BNP online activists in mobilising anti-fascist public support during the autocratic rule of Sheikh Hasina. "Your role is now needed more than ever. It seems that you can only do it if you are all united… I believe that you can do this work in the most beautiful and correct way."

Since the country's independence, Tarique claimed that whenever BNP has had the opportunity to govern, it has made the greatest contributions in areas such as health, education, agriculture, food production, industry, employment, overseas employment and local government strengthening.

"Maybe there were more things we could have done...but we couldn't, that’s our limitation. Till now, in every sector that improves the country's future, and helps the nation move forward, BNP has done the most,” he said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir acknowledged the significant role online activists have played in the movement against the fascist regime over the last 17 years.

“They made many sacrifices and endured serious repression during the fascist regime," he said.

Referring to the online activists as cyber warriors, Fakhrul said they have to once again play a major role in thwarting the plot against the country and BNP.

“We have to now fight that battle again. The conspiracy has started again. I believe our warriors will be able to win this battle by defeating this plot," he said. - UNB