I'll stand with people during election: Tarique Rahman tells BBC

BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman has said he will return to the country from London soon.

He shared this in an interview with BBC Bangla. Asked why he hasn't returned yet, Tarique replied, “I haven't returned for some valid reasons. But the time has come, hasn't it? InshaAllah, I'll come back soon. When I do politics, it's intertwined with elections. How can I stay away during the people's expected election? During that anticipated election—when it's held—I'll be with the people, among them.”

The first part of the interview was published today, Monday.

On security concerns, Tarique Rahman said, “I've heard various worries mentioned in different media.”

Asked about his role in the July mass uprising and if he sees himself as the mastermind, he replied, “No, I never see myself as the mastermind. The July movement succeeded in July. But its context started much earlier.”

He added, “In this movement, leaders and activists from democratic political parties contributed in various ways and faced repression. The public participated with everyone. Madrasa students were there. Housewives came out. Farmers, shopkeepers, garment workers, retired army officers joined, journalists were active. I don't want to belittle anyone's role. Regardless of party affiliation, everyone contributed. The mastermind of this movement is Bangladesh's democracy-loving people.”

On communication with student leaders, he said, “Working from abroad, I had to maintain contact online. Directly and indirectly, in various ways.”

In response to another question, he said, “This movement and sacrifice is an unforgettable event in Bangladesh's history. In ordinary movements, children aren't killed. But in this one, as far as I recall, 63 children died.”

BNP's Acting Chairperson said, “The credit for this movement doesn't belong to any political party. Many may say many things; that's their position. BNP's position is that the people succeeded in the movement. There are two sides: over 2,000 people were killed. The other side: about 30,000 were harmed, blinded, or crippled. It's incumbent on the government, political parties, everyone to stand by them.”