Tarique Rahman Will Return When Election Date Is Announced

BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo has said that the party’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, will return to the country once the election date is announced.

He made the statement yesterday afternoon while speaking to journalists after attending the prize-giving ceremony of the Alokito Feni Scholarship Examination at Feni Shilpakala Academy.

Mintoo noted that when the legitimacy of the national election is questioned, doubts arise about other elections or activities as well. However, he emphasized that university student union activities or their election outcomes cannot be compared with the national election.

He further said that the national election defines the political foundation of the country. What students do within their own sphere is a separate matter and cannot be equated with the national election. BNP, he added, is a large democratic political party that has always stood for the people’s right to vote and for democracy.

Expressing concern over the current law and order situation, Mintoo remarked that mobs are still forming instantly, and people are being beaten to death.

Addressing criticism of his own party, he said, “Our party never claims to be free of mistakes. In many cases, dishonest activities are being falsely attributed to us. However, for indiscipline or involvement in crime, around 3,000 to 4,000 leaders and activists have already been expelled.”

Also present at the event were Feni Deputy Commissioner Saiful Islam, Police Superintendent Habibur Rahman, and Desh Rupantor editor Kamal Uddin Sabuj.

The ceremony, presided over by Feni University Treasurer Professor Tayabul Haque and conducted by teacher Ashraful Haque Arman, honored more than 500 students this year, including 12 scholarship recipients.