“They Were Forgiven for Being Children”: Anisur

Anisur Rahman Khokon Talukdar, the BNP’s Central Joint Secretary for Mass Education, addressed NCP leaders, warning that some juvenile party activists are plotting around the upcoming national parliamentary elections in February. He stated that previously, they were forgiven because they were children, but if they act recklessly now, forgiveness will not be extended.

He made these remarks on Tuesday, 19 August, during his keynote speech at the 45th founding anniversary of the BNP Volunteer Party in Madaripur.

Anisur Rahman noted that in recent times, certain juvenile groups have been spreading rumours that future elections will not take place. He emphasised: “Children, if naive, often say many things. But the length of our movement and struggle surpasses their entire lifetimes. Therefore, anyone speaking on the soil of Bangladesh must speak wisely and carefully.”

He further highlighted the sacrifices of Bangladesh’s nationalist movement over the past 17 years: “Brothers who were disappeared, murdered, bled, and gave their lives – their families desire elections in the future. They wish to see a democratic government.”

Anisur stressed the importance of honouring these sacrifices: “These people gave their lives on the streets not to serve you, not to act as advisors for five years, nor to dance for your new party on their heads. The independence that was won with the blood of our people must be respected. To savour the fruits of that independence, Bangladesh must hold a proper and fair election.”

The programme was presided over by Shahadat Hossain, President of the Madaripur District Volunteer Party, and conducted by Advocate Masud Parvez, General Secretary. Other notable attendees included: