Tarique’s return to strengthen democratic practice: Nahid

Nahid Islam, convener, Jatiya Nagorik Party. UNB_11zon

Dhaka, Dec 25 - National Citizen Party Convener Nahid Islam on Thursday welcomed the return of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh, saying his homecoming would further consolidate Bangladesh’s multiparty democratic practice.

In a message posted on his verified Facebook account in the evening, Nahid wrote that Tarique Rahman has returned to the country after 17 years, calling it a positive reflection of the democratic struggle that restored a citizen’s right to return to his own land.

“The return of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to his homeland as a Bangladeshi citizen and political leader represents a meaningful outcome of the democratic movement,” he said.

Nahid said Tarique Rahman and his family had been subjected to state repression due to political dissent, forcing him to remain in exile for a prolonged period.

“Through the mass uprising, built on the blood sacrifice of thousands of martyrs, a situation has emerged that has enabled him and his family to return home,” he wrote.

Expressing hope for the future, Nahid said Bangladesh must uphold democratic values so that no political leader faces state persecution for holding dissenting views.

Referring to the political environment of the past decade and a half, he said the path toward a freer Bangladesh has now opened, with the core objective being to ensure the rule of law and political rights for every citizen.

Nahid expressed confidence that Tarique Rahman’s return would further strengthen the practice of multi-party democracy in the country.

“In the new political reality, our main challenge is to foster coexistence and build a culture of healthy political competition,” he said.

Welcoming Tarique Rahman back to the country, Nahid expressed the hope that his participation would be constructive in shaping Bangladesh’s democratic future. - UNB