Acting Chairman of BNP, Tarique Rahman, alleged that the government is attempting to stir controversy on every issue pertaining to the religious beliefs of the Muslim community. This statement was made about the administration's interference in organising Ramadan holidays in educational institutions and Iftar parties in universities.

Tarique Rahman made this remark during his address as the chief guest at BNP's Iftar party, which was attended by Islamic scholars and orphans and held at the ladies' club in Baily Road, Dhaka, on Tuesday, the first day of Ramadan.

He mentioned that Bangladesh is predominantly a Muslim country, with over 90% of its population being Muslims. Traditionally, schools, colleges, and madrassas nationwide remain closed throughout Ramadan. However, there's an exception this year, as the dummy government has decided to keep all schools open for half of the month of Ramadan. This decision has led to a legal dispute. The question arises: why does the dummy government seek to spark controversy on every religious matter? Upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that the current dummy government is attempting to generate debate on issues related to the religious beliefs of the Muslim community. This is manifested through imposition conditions on iftar parties in educational institutions or eating beef at university halls during Ramadan.

Tarique Rahman highlighted that the cost of living in the country has become unaffordable for the average citizens, primarily due to the rampant corruption and mismanagement perpetrated by the ruling Awami League government. He criticised the government's strategy of subsidising government banks by levying higher duties on dates during Ramadan despite their history of embezzlement and depletion of these banks' resources. Mr. Rahman pointed out the irony of using the people's hard-earned money to support institutions that corrupt practices have plundered. Furthermore, he criticised the government's indifference towards the struggles of ordinary citizens, who may only afford to consume two dates during Ramadan, contrasting this with the apparent frivolity of their ministers' remarks. He emphasised that a government born through illegitimate means is inherently incapable of functioning within the bounds of legality, and instead resorts to trivialising the concerns of the populace.

He remarked, "The ineffectual and corrupt administrations fail to regulate the market during the sacred month of Ramadan, opting to deflect attention by citing conflicts in various countries as excuses for their shortcomings. However, the reality differs starkly. Recent information from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization reveals that global prices of food products have continued to decline over the past seven months. Specifically, in July 2023, prices of essential commodities such as milk and milk products decreased by 13 per cent, edible oil by 11 per cent, and meat by 8 per cent. Despite this global trend of falling prices, Bangladesh stands as an exception, with prices stubbornly refusing to decrease."

He further emphasised, "The decrease in the prices of goods globally has no bearing on the situation in Bangladesh. The actions of the corrupt Awami League government are responsible for the inflation of prices within the country. Unless these perpetrators of corruption and illicit money transfers are brought under control, the cost of goods will remain beyond the purchasing power of the people."

Tarique Rahman highlighted, "47 individuals tragically lost their lives in a fire on Bailey Road, not far from where we gather at iftar today. Yet, this inept government cannot evade accountability. Fires are occuring nationwide with alarming frequency, yet the government remains conspicuously silent. Many believe that behind these incidents lie the hands of fascist figures within the Hasina-led party, orchestrating displacements, land grabs, and evictions."

He continued, "Instead of addressing these pressing issues, the puppet government is busy conducting daily raids on restaurants throughout the city in a feeble attempt to divert attention from its failures. Restaurant owners and employees are unjustly arrested, and cash is seized. Wherever these raids occur, irregularities are found. What has this government accomplished in the past 15 years, apart from acting unlawfully from its inception? An illegally installed government cannot adhere to any semblance of rule of law."

Highlighting the continued harassment faced by hotel and restaurant employees, Tarique Rahman expressed that instead of targeting these individuals, restoring law and order could have been achieved by holding Members of Parliament and Ministers accountable for their actions over the past 15 years.

Directing his message to the country's Islamic scholars, Tarique Rahman warned, "If discussions on other matters persist among scholars, if we remain oblivious to the ongoing conspiracy against Islam and Muslims within our country, and if we fail to prioritise appropriately, we may soon witness a dire fate similar to that of the oppressed Palestinians in their homeland. This ominous sign appears to be growing increasingly evident."