BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed concern that the future of democracy in Bangladesh may face a serious setback if democratic forces are compelled to surrender before undemocratic conditions being imposed one after another.

He said attempts are being made in a coordinated way to prevent BNP’s victory, warning that such doubts and confusion surrounding the upcoming national election may lead the country into a critical situation.

Tarique made the remarks on Sunday evening while speaking at a programme held at a hotel in the capital’s Gulshan area.

Mentioning that BNP has long been a victim of conspiracies, Tarique said, “Those who once conspired against BNP established autocracy in the country and completely destroyed the electoral system over the past 15 years. What’s alarming and surprising is that a coordinated campaign and various tactics are once again visible to block BNP’s victory.”

I firmly believe that if every believer in the spirit of Bangladeshi nationalism remains united, no conspiracy will ever be able to detach BNP from the people,” he added.

Tarique further said that many people are now questioning whether the election will be held on time — something that should not have been in doubt.

He cautioned that such uncertainty could push the path of democratic transition into crisis.

As a responsible political party, BNP has made the highest level of concessions to maintain national unity. Yet, new conditions are continuously being imposed, making the path to democracy increasingly difficult,” Tarique warned, urging all to remain vigilant about its consequences.