C T Online Desk: Feb 14, 2026- BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today said that the people of the country are now free from today.
He said that pro-democracy people of the country have once again made the BNP victorious; and described this victory as a win for Bangladesh and for democracy, pledging to build a safe, humane, and democratic Bangladesh in the days ahead.
“Alhamdulillah, this victory belongs to Bangladesh. This victory belongs to democracy. This victory belongs to the people who yearn for democracy. From today, we are all free.”
Tarique Rahman made the remarks at a post-election press conference held in the Ballroom of the InterContinental Hotel in the city today.
BNP Chairman said the people have paved the way for establishing democracy in the country by overcoming all obstacles. However, he noted that their journey must begin amidst a fragile economy left behind by fascism, dysfunctional constitutional and statutory institutions, and a weak law and order situation.
“After more than one and a half decades, a parliament and government accountable to the people are set to be established through direct voting. Everyone to remain united so that no anti-democratic force can re-establish fascism in the country or turn Bangladesh into a subservient state,” he said.
Tarique Rahman extended heartfelt congratulations to the 51 political parties that participated in the election, including Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, and Ganadhikar Parishad.
“In a democratic state and politics, political parties are essentially the lighthouses of democracy. If the government and the opposition each play a responsible role from their respective positions, democracy will undoubtedly become institutionalized,” he said.
Calling upon every democratic political party that participated in the election to share their ideas for nation-building, he stated, “Our paths and opinions may be different, but we are all united for the sake of the country. I believe national unity is our strength, and division is our weakness.”
He specially thanked the interim government and the Election Commission for successfully holding a peaceful, free, fair, and impartial election, dispelling all public doubts.
Tarique Rahman also praised the role of all election-related officials, the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and domestic and international media and observers.
Tarique Rahman expressed deep respect for those who were martyred or injured in the movement to establish democracy over this long period from the Liberation War of 1971 to the war to protect the freedom of the country and its people in 2024. He prayed for salvation of their departed souls.
He also mentioned that the absence of the uncompromising leader and former Prime Miniter Begum Khaleda Zia weighs heavily on the party during this joyous moment.
He said, “In anticipation of such a democratic time for establishing people’s rights in the state and politics, she fought uncompromisingly against fascism. She never compromised with autocracy or fascism.”
Referring to BNP’s 31 point ‘roadmap for state repair’, he said, through consultations with other parties and the public, BNP has formulated its election manifesto.
Highlighting BNP’s signature to the July Charter, Tarique Rahman assured that every commitment made to the people will be implemented in phases.
BNP chairman said his party didn’t bring out any victory processions even after an absolute victory to maintain peace and order, but celebrating the triumph by offering gratitude to Allah.
He asserted, “My statement is clear: peace and order must be maintained at any cost. No injustice or illegal activities will be tolerated.”
He further said, “Regardless of party, opinion, religion, or caste, attacks by the powerful on the weak will not be accepted under any pretext. Justice will be the ideal. If the rule of law is not established, all our efforts will go in vain.”
He urged everyone to be cautious so that any misunderstandings arising from electoral competition do not turn into revenge or retaliation.
While appealing to the pro-democracy people, the BNP Chairman said, “Just as we played role in the struggle to establish democracy, let us now each to play our part from our respective positions to build Bangladesh as a safe and humane state by controlling corruption, maintaining law and order, and ensuring accountability to the people.”
Concluding his speech, the BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman once again congratulated and thanked all democratic forces, expatriate Bangladeshis, and the freedom-loving people across the country for the victory.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Dr Khandakar Mosarrof Hossain, Nazrul Islam Khan, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Selima Rahman, Salahuddin Ahmed, Sultan Salauddin Mahmud Tuku,among others were present during the press conference.
Journalists from the local and foreign media joined the press conference. After concluding the written speech Tarique Rahman answered different questions from the journalists.
