BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has said that his party’s goal is to ensure Bangladesh never turns into a breeding ground for extremism or militancy. Speaking virtually from London on Sunday evening, he stressed that it is time to honor the sacrifices of martyrs by safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty. “On the question of sovereignty, we must all remain united with unwavering confidence,” he noted.

The remarks came during a discussion at the National Press Club in Dhaka, where the National Poetry Council exchanged views with BNP. The event, titled “The Role of Writers and Poets in Advancing Democracy,” was organized by BNP’s media cell.

Addressing the poets and writers present, Tarique said, “There is no difference between your firm stance on freedom, sovereignty, and democracy and ours.” He added that both BNP and the literary community are equally committed to resisting authoritarian revival.

He further called on citizens to defend voting rights, freedom of expression, and fair elections, saying that accountability is essential for the country’s future.

During the discussion, Nurul Islam—advisor to the Poetry Council and a BNP vice-chairman—likened writers and poets to a “volcano” whose energy could spread across the nation. His comments, however, drew criticism from BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, who urged poets to move away from metaphors of fire and destruction. “Why still talk about fire?” he asked. “That chapter ended on August 5. Now you should speak of flowers, of democracy’s fragrance, of people’s rights spreading across the country.”

Salahuddin also criticized writers who remained silent during past political repression, accusing some of aligning with authoritarian rulers rather than standing with the people.

Poet Mohan Raihan, president of the Poetry Council, presided over the meeting. He noted that under the previous government many poets were neglected and even faced threats to their lives. He also observed a gap between the political leadership and intellectual circles.

In his welcome speech, council general secretary Rezauddin Stalin said those advocating for proportional representation in elections were acting against the country’s political and cultural interests and must be challenged.

Others who spoke included BNP advisor Mahdi Amin, BNP media cell convener Moudud Hossain Alamgir, journalist Abu Sayeed Khan, poet Matin Bairagi, and several council leaders.