Tarique Rahman cautions that conspiracies may persist ahead of the upcoming elections

Warning that conspiracies against the country are continuing and that the next national election will be challenging, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman called on people to remain united and vigilant.

He made the appeal while addressing a discussion organised by London BNP at City Pavilion in London to mark the Great Victory Day.

Speaking before a large gathering of expatriate Bangladeshis, Tarique recalled that he had warned a year ago about difficult days ahead.

“I said a year ago that the times ahead would be tough. Conspiracies have not stopped, and the coming election will not be easy. Many of you are now realising that my words are proving true,” he said.

Reiterating his message, he added that the road ahead would not be comfortable and stressed the need for constant alertness and unity.

Asking the audience whether they could stay united, Tarique said such unity was crucial to achieving BNP’s goal of rebuilding the country.

“We can rebuild the nation, shape the Bangladesh we aspire to, and establish accountability only if we remain united,” he said.

Referring to the United Kingdom, he noted that people there are able to enjoy their rights due to an accountable system of governance. By contrast, he said, the people of Bangladesh have long been deprived of their rightful entitlements, which can only be restored through unity.

Quoting the familiar slogan, he concluded, “United we stand, divided we fall—there is no alternative to unity.”

Tarique Rahman was arrested in 2007 during the army-backed caretaker government following the events of 1/11. After falling seriously ill in custody, he went to London in 2008 on bail for advanced medical treatment with his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman. After nearly 18 years in exile, he is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on 25 December.