BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman recently warned that creating controversy around elections would inadvertently strengthen fugitive authoritarian forces. Speaking at a teachers’ rally held at the Engineers Institution in Dhaka to mark National Teachers’ Day and the national conference of the Bangladesh Teachers Association and College Teachers Association, he stressed the importance of constructive discourse. Thousands of teachers from across the country attended the event, which included an opening session followed by an evening conference.

Rahman urged party members to avoid divisive or inflammatory comments, emphasizing that debates over elections only waste time and unintentionally empower authoritarian elements. He highlighted the role of elections as a key instrument of political empowerment for citizens and called for vigilance to prevent misinformation and controversies. According to him, with public support, no conspiracy can defeat the party.

He also spoke about the interplay between democracy and daily political practices, underlining the importance of fostering a unified vision for a democratic, equitable, and humane Bangladesh. While acknowledging the challenges posed by authoritarian conspiracies, he stressed the need for unity among pro-democracy forces.

Addressing the public's hardships, Rahman noted the dual challenges of rising living costs and increased tax burdens. He criticized the interim government for its failure to curb market syndicates and control inflation, stressing the urgency of economic relief measures. Rahman suggested that only a broad-based government could effectively address these issues, questioning the current administration’s priorities in failing to alleviate public suffering.

On political reform, Rahman expressed BNP’s support for both electoral and systemic changes. He stated that debates on prioritizing reform or elections are distractions, as families across the country are struggling with daily survival amid economic crises. He also encouraged young people, who have been denied their voting rights for over a decade, to take an active role in politics, welcoming the formation of new political parties if done transparently.

Rahman concluded by advising against unnecessary disputes with the interim government, urging patience and collaboration for the greater good. The rally, presided over by Teachers-Employees Unity Alliance President Principal Selim Bhuiyan, featured several notable BNP leaders, including Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Other attendees included Selima Rahman, Abdus Salam, and Mahmudur Rahman Manna.