BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said that although autocracy has been ousted from the country, invisible forces are gradually raising their heads.

He made the remarks while addressing the triennial conference of Kishoreganj district BNP virtually in the afternoon.

Tarique Rahman said, “The interim government has put forward a reform proposal, 95 percent of which BNP had already presented before the people of the country two to two-and-a-half years ago through its 31-point outline. Apart from BNP, other political parties in Bangladesh also gave their opinions. We may have differences on some issues, but BNP is committed to ensuring people’s political rights, voting rights, and security.”

He further said, “The government will arrange the next election in the first half of February next year. That is why we must remain united at any cost. The people of Bangladesh are the most important to us. We must ensure their support and keep them by our side.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who inaugurated the conference, said, “BNP is not a party that appeared out of nowhere; it is like a phoenix bird. Various conspiracies, lies, falsehoods, and propaganda are being carried out against BNP. But those who tried to destroy BNP in the past have themselves been defeated.”

The long-awaited conference was held at the old stadium of Kishoreganj town after nine years, with district BNP president Shariful Alam in the chair and general secretary Mazharul Islam moderating.

BNP Chairperson’s adviser Abdus Salam, joint secretaries general Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel and Syed Emran Saleh Prince, treasurer M Rashiduzzaman Millat, assistant organizing secretary Shah Md. Wares Ali Mamun, and Abu Wahab Akand were present.

The second session of the conference will begin in the evening, where 2,090 councillors will cast their votes to elect the district BNP’s president and general secretary. Two candidates are contesting for the post of president, while four are vying for the post of general secretary.