He warned that some groups, once allies in the anti-fascist uprising, are now adopting authoritarian tactics similar to the ousted regime to block the BNP’s rise.

“Though Bangladesh is free from fascism, certain political actors still exhibit the same oppressive mindsets we fought against,” Tarique said.

Accusing these forces of using “unfair tactics and preconditions” to derail the BNP’s electoral prospects, he stressed that the interim government remains committed to holding elections in February 2026.

Tarique urged opponents to respect the democratic mandate should the BNP win.

“If the BNP secures victory through the will of the people, no one should block that mandate. Let democracy prevail,” he said.

He recalled the previous regime’s brutal crackdown on dissent and cautioned against the resurgence of such anti-democratic behavior.

Rejecting proposals for a Proportional Representation (PR) system, Tarique argued it would undermine voter accountability and transparency.

“Voters have the right to know exactly who they are electing. PR makes representation indirect and opaque,” he said.
“Elections must be constituency-based—politicians must win the trust of their constituents directly, without shortcuts.”

On the occasion of Janmashtami, Tarique extended greetings to Hindu communities in Bangladesh and abroad, honoring those who sacrificed during the 2024 uprising.

“Their blood was shed not for a single community but for a free, just, and inclusive Bangladesh,” he said.

He also warned of threats from rising extremism and attempts to erase the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir accused the former Awami League government of systematically dismantling democratic institutions during its 16-year tenure.

“They destroyed democratic pillars and siphoned billions abroad,” Fakhrul said. “We stand for a Bangladesh where all communities live peacefully and with dignity.”

The event also featured BNP leaders Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, Gono Forum President Advocate Subrata Chowdhury, Vice Chairman Netai Roy Chowdhury, and Executive Committee member Nipun Roy Chowdhury.