Govt's Wrong Decisions Could Empower Fascists: Tarique Rahman

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has warned that any wrong decision by the government could provide an opportunity for fascist forces to rise.

He made the remarks on Wednesday while virtually addressing a rally titled 'In Memory of Horrific Ashulia' held in Ashulia, Dhaka.

Tarique Rahman stated that the government's policymakers must take responsibility for heinous massacres like the one in Ashulia. He asserted that their continuous wrong decisions are leading to the resurgence of fascism in the country.

He highlighted that workers suffered the highest casualties during the mass uprising in July. Specifically, he claimed that a planned genocide was carried out against workers in the Savar-Ashulia region. "Not only were they killed, but their bodies were also burned. Such barbarity and cruelty against the deceased surpassed even the events of Karbala," he said.

Tarique Rahman further added that while August 5 was the day for fascists to flee, a genocide was ongoing in Ashulia.

Emphasizing the role of working-class people in the movement, he said, "The workers had no direct interest in the July movement last year. They were not expecting government jobs or any other benefits. So why did they take to the streets? The reason is clear—if fascists are in power, no citizen will have democratic rights, nor will any legitimate demands be met. It was this realization that led the working-class people to the streets."

During the rally, he also pledged to construct a special monument in memory of the 'July Martyrs' of Ashulia.