Awami League Will Get the Opportunity to Do Politics if Tarique Rahman Becomes Prime Minister: Ma. Rashid Ahmed

Abu Raihan, Manirampur (Jashore) Correspondent: A statement by Ma. Rashid Ahmed, the BNP-nominated alliance candidate for the Jashore-5 (Manirampur) constituency, has gone viral on social media. In the widely circulated video, he is heard saying that if Tarique Rahman becomes Prime Minister, the Awami League will be given the opportunity to engage in politics again. This statement was made on the evening of Thursday, January 29, during election campaigning in the Hindu-dominated Bhobdah area of Kultia Union under Manirampur Upazila. Since then, it has sparked discussions and criticism across various political circles. In the video, Rashid Ahmed addresses Awami League...

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Abu Raihan, Manirampur (Jashore) Correspondent:
A statement by Ma. Rashid Ahmed, the BNP-nominated alliance candidate for the Jashore-5 (Manirampur) constituency, has gone viral on social media. In the widely circulated video, he is heard saying that if Tarique Rahman becomes Prime Minister, the Awami League will be given the opportunity to engage in politics again.
This statement was made on the evening of Thursday, January 29, during election campaigning in the Hindu-dominated Bhobdah area of Kultia Union under Manirampur Upazila. Since then, it has sparked discussions and criticism across various political circles.
In the video, Rashid Ahmed addresses Awami League supporters, saying that this time there is no opportunity to vote for the Awami League. However, if they vote for the “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol, he promises that if Tarique Rahman becomes Prime Minister, the Awami League will once again be allowed to participate in politics.
Ma. Rashid Ahmed was previously the Senior Joint Secretary General of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (one faction). He received his nomination as an ally of the BNP. After securing the nomination, he resigned from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam and is now contesting the election as a primary member of the BNP with the “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol.
He is the son of the late Mufti Mohammad Wakkas, former Ameer of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh and former State Minister for Religious Affairs.
In the viral video, Rashid Ahmed further states that most people in the area support the Awami League. He recalls that when Tarique Rahman’s father, the late Ziaur Rahman, came to power, he allowed banned political parties to resume political activities. He expressed hope that if national leader Tarique Rahman comes to power, the Awami League will also be given the opportunity to do politics.
Meanwhile, such remarks about bringing the banned Awami League back into politics have triggered widespread debate and criticism on social media. Some believe the statement was made to attract the Awami League’s vote bank.
On the other hand, leaders of the July mass uprising at district and upazila levels have expressed anger, alleging that the BNP candidate’s remarks are unacceptable, as justice has not yet been served for killings and enforced disappearances that occurred during the Awami League era. They argue that the wounds of the July movement have not yet healed, and attempts to bring the Awami League back into politics are unacceptable in a new Bangladesh.
When asked about the issue, BNP candidate Rashid Ahmed said that his remarks were intended for innocent Awami League leaders and activists. He stated, “BNP and Tarique Rahman do not believe in politics of vengeance. I made those comments as an example of that principle. My opponents are presenting the issue differently.”