On January 4, 2024, the AFP published a report based on its interview with Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), where he claimed Bangladesh’s 12th National Parliamentary Election to be “sham”.
But, does Tarique Rahman have the moral standing to preach democratic values?
The same AFP report states that six years back, Tarique Rahman was convicted in absentia of planning a deadly grenade attack on a campaign rally of Bangladesh Awami League attended by the then Opposition Leader Sheikh Hasina. The grenade attack on August 21, 2004 killed Ivy Rahman and 23 others of the party. The report also adds that Tarique Rahman rejects the verdict convicting him of the crime.
Read: Disrupting democracy: BNP-Jamaat's tactics of violence and chaos
According to media reports, the grenade attack was executed through “abuse of state power” [“‘State-backed crime’ punished,” The Daily Star]. “The specialised deadly Arges grenades that are used in wars were blasted at the Awami League’s central office on 23 Bangabandhu Avenue in broad daylight with the help of the then state machinery,” said the judge of Speedy Trial Tribunal-1 while delivering the verdict on October 10, 2018.
Quoting witness Abdur Rashid, the court said accused Sheikh Farid, Hannan, Abu Taher, Tajuddin and the witness himself went to Hawa Bhaban, known to be the alternative centre of power, in Banani in mid-August of 2004 on a microbus; a little later, Tarique showed up.
They were assured of all kinds of administrative support in the meeting when Tarique told them to carry out the plan, according to the verdict.
It is unfortunate that BNP is led by a fugitive like Tarique Rahman. A person with such moral standing, or lack thereof, would not have a political career in the Global North. Regrettably, in our country, he does. If BNP, under the influence of individuals like Tarique Rahman, continues its divisive politics, exacerbating tension between different segments of society, people will reject its politics.
Political parties have the right to protest peacefully against any government. However, that does not mean that political parties are given license to commit violence and jeopardize peace and prosperity of the nation. Tarique’s call for “insurrection” in a previous interview openly challenged the law and order situation in Bangladesh – breakdown of which would cause human and economic losses.
His role in Bangladeshi politics has been a subject of criticism. Some critics have pointed to various aspects of his career and actions that have raised concerns and cast a shadow over his credibility. One significant criticism revolves around allegations of corruption and abuse of power. Tarique faces multiple charges, including extortion and corruption that led to his arrest in 2007 during the last caretaker government’s tenure. Another point of criticism is his involvement in orchestrating violence and unrest for political gains. BNP, under his influence, has been associated with political instability and violent protests, which have negatively impacted the social and economic fabric of Bangladesh. The use of force and intimidation tactics to achieve political objectives raises questions about the commitment to democratic values and the rule of law.
Read: Renewed attempts to absolve Tarique Rahman from his role in Aug 21 grenade attack?
Moreover, his absence from the country raises doubts about his dedication to participating in the political process within the established norms and frameworks.
The AFP report also says “last year the BNP mounted huge rallies, industrial strikes and road blockades that brought the capital to a standstill.” Of course, BNP has a considerable number of supporters. But that does not mean that it “brought the capital to a standstill.” Every political party has the right to demonstrate against the government. But they do not have the right to vandalize public and private property. Burning people in arson attacks, killing law enforcers, cutting rail tracks and causing derailments cannot be politics.
The writer is former chairman of National Human Rights Commission, Bangladesh. Views expressed are his own.