DHAKA, July 05 (V7N) – On the solemn occasion of the Holy Ashura, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today issued a strong statement drawing parallels between what he described as the "brutal repression" by the deposed Awami League government and the historical cruelty of Yazid's forces in Karbala.

In his message commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), Tarique Rahman accused the "fallen Awami fascist regime" of establishing "a rule of extreme oppression and injustice" over the past 16 years. He cited various alleged abuses, including "fake elections, snatching away people’s voting rights, resorting to enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, violence, unrest and siphoning off public money abroad."

Rahman also specifically highlighted the plight of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, claiming that the Awami League regime had imprisoned her with "dictated verdicts in politically motivated cases" and "denied her proper medical treatment, pushed her towards death." He asserted that "The cruel repression carried out by the ruthless Awami League leaders, who later fled the country, was like the brutality of Yazid’s forces."

Inspired by the spirit of sacrifice shown by Imam Hussain (RA) and his close companions, Tarique Rahman urged the nation to "continue its struggle without pause until justice and fairness are truly established in the country." He emphasized that "The battle of Imam Hussain’s forces will always inspire us to stand against all forms of tyranny, so that such cruel oppressors can never rise again."

The BNP leader paid deep respect to the memory of Martyr Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), his martyred family members, and companions, praying for the salvation of their departed souls. He underscored that Imam Hussain's (RA) embrace of martyrdom in Karbala while fighting "against injustice, oppression and tyranny" makes Ashura "a day of mourning, respect and sacrifice."

Rahman further stated that Imam Hussain’s protest against "worldly injustice and corruption," and the sacrifice he made, remains "a glorious and timeless example for Muslims in Bangladesh and across the world, as well as for all of humanity." He concluded by reiterating that the martyrdom of Hazrat Hussain (RA) stands as "an unmatched example of an ideological struggle against injustice, oppression, and despotism," and continues to inspire "oppressed and suffering people across the world to rise against tyranny in every era and every country."

This strong comparison comes amidst ongoing political tensions in Bangladesh, even under the interim government. It also follows recent criticism by the BNP's Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi against Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for what he termed "trying to fish in troubled waters" by questioning the current electoral atmosphere, highlighting the complex political landscape in the country.

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