Will Tarique Rahman Ensure Law and Order in Bangladesh?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Dhaka, Feb 14 (NationPress) Following the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)'s significant triumph in the 13th Parliamentary election, the party chairman Tarique Rahman emphasized the utmost importance of preserving law and order "at any cost" and called for collective efforts to foster a secure and humane society, as reported by local media.
Rahman, poised to become the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh after his party achieved a commanding majority in the election, spoke during a press briefing on Saturday afternoon in Dhaka.
“We require the cooperation of all to establish a safe and humane Bangladesh. This time, each individual must adopt a responsible role in the nation's reconstruction. No one should face injustice under any pretext. Law and order must be upheld at any cost,” quoted Rahman from Bangladesh’s leading newspaper Dhaka Tribune.
Reiterating the significance of maintaining law and order, Rahman cautioned that any acts of violence, vengeance, or incitement would be unacceptable.
He stated, "My position is unequivocal; peace and order must be preserved at any cost. No injustice or unlawful actions will be tolerated. Regardless of political affiliations, faith, race, or differing views — no justification will be valid for the strong to oppress the weak."
The BNP chairman characterized the election result as “the victory of the people,” asserting that the freedom-loving populace of the nation had empowered the BNP.
BNP secured 209 out of 297 seats in the February 12 election, with candidates leading in two constituencies, including Chattogram-2 and 4, where results are still pending. Their allies claimed three seats.
Conversely, Jamaat-e-Islami captured 68 seats, while its partners in the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance obtained nine seats. Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) achieved one seat, and independent candidates secured victories in seven constituencies, according to Prothom Alo.
As Tarique Rahman is set to guide Bangladesh — a country that hasn't had a male Prime Minister in nearly 35 years — experts warn of the substantial challenges ahead, particularly regarding the unrest and escalating Islamist extremism that characterized the 18-month tenure of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.