Calling on people across the country to remain vigilant, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman said that attempts are being made to create excuses and controversies that could obstruct the path of democracy.

“A chance has come before us to build a humane state. Some people are trying to create a situation by saying different things so that the path of democracy is blocked," Tarique said at an event in the capital today.

"I request every person, regardless of party, who believes in democracy, to stay alert today. Those who are trying to damage or obstruct the path of democracy again by creating controversies using different excuses must not be allowed to succeed,” the BNP chairman added.

Tarique was addressing a discussion with the families of people who were victims of enforced disappearances, killings, and torture during the Awami League period. The event was held at the China–Bangladesh Friendship Conference Centre in the capital.

Listening to the accounts of relatives of forcibly disappeared persons, Tarique became visibly emotional, breaking down in tears and at times embracing family members to offer comfort and solidarity.

He said that the future government will have great responsibility towards those who were disappeared and those who were martyred in the anti-fascist movement.

“The state can never forget you. To keep the sacrifices of all martyrs alive in public memory, the BNP has made some plans for the future. However, due to restrictions of the Election Commission, I may not be able to present those plans in detail at today’s event,” he said.

“We have seen some controversial roles or positions taken by the Election Commission recently. Even then, as a responsible political party, we want to show patience.”

Tarique said that if his party, with the support of the people of Bangladesh, comes to power, roads and key public and private institutions will be named after martyrs so that generations can remember them with pride.

He said that justice for the "martyrs" and their families may take time, but the party will work patiently so that the wrongs done to them are properly judged and they receive justice.

“We must stay alert so that no one can obstruct the democratic journey that has begun,” he said.