BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has called upon the countrymen to continue their fights in a bid to safeguard the country’s independence and sovereignty.

“Now our fight is to protect our independence and sovereignty and we all are fighters here. If we want to win, we will have to continue our struggle,” said the BNP leader through videoconferencing from London on Thursday.

Tarique Rahman made the call during a training workshop organised by the BNP’s Training Affairs Committee with its leaders, workers and supporters of Manikganj, Narsingdi and Munshiganj districts this evening.

Citing the repressive and oppressive actions on BNP men unleashed by the ousted Awami League government, he urged his party’s rank and file to stand by the people to earn their trust.

“If we want to overcome the upcoming electoral challenge then we must stay beside the people and keep them with us,” the BNP leader said, adding that conspiracy is still going on against the BNP, the country and its independence and sovereignty.  

UNB adds: BNP acting chairman warned that the conspirators are active home and abroad and keeping their eyes on the country’s national resources.

"Many are greedily eyeing the country’s financial and natural resources. If chaos can be stirred in the country, or if a weak government, lacking popular support and not representing the people, can be kept in power, then many will have the opportunity to loot the country's wealth," he warned.

The BNP leader said the interests of the country and its people will remain secure if a public-supported, pro-people, and patriotic government is in power. “In such a case, those who eye the country’s money, wealth, and natural resources with vulture-like greed will think twice.”

He once again urged his party leaders and workers to work on building the people’s confidence in the BNP and securing public support to win the next election.

“We have no alternative but to stay with the people and engage with them constantly to overcome the hurdle of the election with their support,” Tarique said.

Mentioning that BNP leaders and workers faced serious ordeals and challenges in their political journey, he urged them to use all their experience, knowledge, and prudence to win the people’s support.

He said their party will gradually implement the 31-point proposal if it gets the chance to form the government with the support of people.

Tarique said the people of Bangladesh can play a crucial role in helping the BNP implement the 31-point outline, which was formulated in consultation with all the parties that waged the simultaneous movement against the Awami League regime.

He said their party is open to accepting any better proposals from other parties or individuals for the welfare of the people and the country.

The BNP leader believes that a positive change will come for the country and its people if the BNP can begin working on the implementation of the 31-point proposal.

“We will only be able to implement the 31-point plan if we have the public's support. So, we must go to the people and gain their support at any cost. We must convince them by constantly engaging with them,” he observed.