Covert force has emerged as new oppressor: Tarique

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday alleged that a “covert political force” has emerged as the new oppressor of the people of Bangladesh, accusing it of operating under a hidden identity while exerting tyrannical influence over the country.
“A political party exists whose real identity is concealed, though people recognise them by their secret character. Today, a new form of tyranny has surfaced in Bangladesh. Members of this clandestine organisation have become the new oppressors of the people,” he said while addressing an election rally at Bell’s Park on Band Road in Barishal town. 
He arrived in the city by helicopter from Dhaka around noon, landing at Barishal Stadium before proceeding by road to the rally venue amid tight security. 
Party leaders and supporters lined both sides of the road to welcome him as he made his way through a sea of people, reaching the stage shortly after 12:25pm.
Stressing that the country must be governed strictly by the people’s mandate, the BNP leader said Bangladesh had witnessed the erosion of voting rights over the past 15 years through “night-time voting” and “dummy elections”.
“This Bangladesh belongs to its people. The country will be run according to the people’s verdict. On the 12th, voters will choose their preferred candidates – those who will govern with accountability and responsibility,” he said.

Referring to derogatory remarks allegedly made about women by leaders of a particular political party, Tarique Rahman said no individual or organisation that disrespects mothers and sisters can bring progress to the country.
“Those who lack empathy for women’s suffering cannot offer dignity, honour or moral leadership to the nation,” he said.

Citing examples from Islamic history, he questioned how parties claiming to practise Islamic politics could demean women. 
He referred to Hazrat Khadija (RA), the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), noting that she was a successful businesswoman. He also mentioned Hazrat Aisha’s (RA) role during the Battle of Badr in managing logistics and caring for the wounded.
“Bangladesh can never move forward by confining women within four walls,” he said.
Addressing a recent controversy, Tarique Rahman claimed that when criticism arose over offensive comments about women, the accused leaders attempted to evade responsibility by saying their social media accounts had been hacked.
“Experts have clearly stated that accounts cannot be hacked in that manner. They do not hesitate to lie for personal interest, and their claim to patriotism is questionable,” he alleged.
Calling for national reconstruction, the BNP chairman said men and women must work side by side to build the country. “Without unity, we cannot build the Bangladesh we dream of,” he added.

Seeking votes for BNP candidates, he outlined several development pledges for the southern region, including construction of the Barishal-Bhola Bridge, modernisation of Sher-e-Bangla Medical College, establishment of a medical college in Bhola, and urgent measures to prevent river erosion.
“River erosion is destroying homes, mosques and graveyards. It must be stopped at any cost,” he said.
He also spoke of plans to establish cold storage facilities to help farmers preserve crops and fish, create employment opportunities for youth, and recruit healthcare workers to deliver medical services at village doorsteps.
Tarique Rahman further alleged that members of the so-called “new oppressors” were involved in unethical practices, including printing fake seals and ballots and collecting national ID and mobile financial service information from unsuspecting women. BNP’s late chairperson Khaleda Zia last addressed a rally at the same venue in 2008, while Tarique Rahman last visited Barishal in May 2006.
Later in the day, speaking at another rally at Rajendra College ground in Faridpur, Tarique Rahman said that if conspiracies could be defeated by 12 February, people’s rule would be established from the following day.
He promised that if BNP comes to power, Faridpur would be granted city corporation status and elevated to a full division.
“The country has suffered immense damage. Schools and colleges must be rebuilt, factories established, rivers re-excavated, and cold storage facilities set up for farmers. Bangladesh needs reconstruction,” he said, urging voters to support BNP candidates contesting all 15 constituencies in greater Faridpur under the party’s “Paddy Sheaf” symbol.