Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has strongly urged the country's political parties to break away from the obsolete political culture of opposing for the sake of opposition. Addressing a prominent gathering, he explicitly stated that creating an environment that paves the way for the return of autocratic forces would amount to a grave betrayal of the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War and the historic July mass uprising. Emphasizing the necessity of constructive political engagement, he called for unity in serving national interests.
Presiding as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the 'July Memorial' built in memory of the martyrs of the July mass uprising and the newly modernized Osmani Uddan in the capital on Monday, the Prime Minister delivered these remarks. The event carried profound significance, drawing senior government officials, political figures, and family members of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the historic movement.
Highlighting the structural dynamics of parliamentary democracy, the Prime Minister noted that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has assumed state governance through the mandate of the people, while other political parties occupy opposition benches. He underscored that the primary mandate of both the ruling and opposition benches in parliament is to deliberate on national welfare, present constructive arguments, and implement policies through consensus. Reaffirming the government's commitment to improving citizens' livelihoods, he stressed that cooperation between all political stakeholders is essential for sustainable development.
Addressing the opposition leaders directly, the Prime Minister remarked that both the governing party and the opposition derive their legitimacy from the people. He cautioned against the misconception that only the ruling party represents the populace or that opposition parties exist solely to obstruct state initiatives. True democratic practice requires moving past narrow partisan divides to prioritize public welfare and national progress above all else.
Expressing regret over political absenteeism, the Prime Minister mentioned that opposition leaders were extended formal invitations to state programs organized to honor the families of martyrs and injured fighters of the July uprising. Despite political differences, he noted that standing beside these families and honoring their sacrifices should transcend partisan boundaries, especially since many current political identities have been forged through the blood and struggles of those very martyrs.
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman called upon all political forces to foster a culture of mutual respect and democratic tolerance. He reiterated the government's unwavering resolve to protect the democratic achievements of the July uprising and warned that any attempts to revive authoritarianism will be met with collective resistance from the nation.
