BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today acknowledged past shortcomings of his party while in power and apologised to the nation.
“BNP has learned from earlier mistakes and is committed to building a safer Bangladesh for present and future generations,” he said in a televised address, aired on Bangladesh Television at 7:15pm.
He sought a fresh electoral mandate, pledging anti-corruption measures, restoration of the rule of law and accountable governance if the BNP returns to office after the February 12 national election.
“In the past, with your support, BNP governed the country several times. While running the state, we may have made unintentional mistakes in some areas. For that, I sincerely apologise to the people of this country,” he said.
Calling for renewed public trust, he added, “Learning from past mistakes and building on our achievements, I once again seek your support in the February 12 national election to build a safe Bangladesh for present and future generations.”
Tarique said that if the BNP is given responsibility to run the state through the people’s vote, it would announce and implement the national pay scale for government officers and employees on time, alongside enforcing strict anti-corruption policies and institutional accountability.
In his speech, he also warned that certain groups were deliberately misusing religion for political gain and attempting to mislead citizens during the election period.
Citing religious scholars, he said, “Many prominent ulama have spoken out clearly that some people, for the sake of party interests, are misusing religion and trying to confuse believing Muslims. Therefore, I appeal to all believers — we must remain cautious so that no one can mislead faithful Muslims.”
Reaffirming BNP’s commitment to coexistence, he said the party seeks to build a country where every citizen feels safe regardless of belief or identity.
“BNP wants to build a safe Bangladesh where Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians — believers, non-believers, or sceptics — whether living in hills or plains, every citizen will remain secure,” he said.
Tarique also described the February 12 election as a historic moment to restore citizens’ political authority, saying people had reclaimed ownership of the state after years of struggle.
“The fallen, defeated, and expelled fascist clique had taken away ownership of the state from the people and seized all democratic political rights. Finally, through long movements and sacrifices of thousands of lives, the ownership of the state has been returned to the people,” he said.