Chief Whip of Parliament Nurul Islam Moni on Monday likened BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, saying that Nazrul lives on through his works and that “our Nazrul is Tarique Rahman.”
“Nazrul lives among us through his creations. We search for Nazrul in every home and across the country. We also have a Nazrul. We may not see him, but if we fail to recognise him, we will suffer. Our Nazrul is Tarique Rahman,” he said.
Moni made the remarks while addressing a discussion organised by the Jatiyatabadi Sangskritik Dal to mark the 50th death anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam at the National Press Club in the Morning.
Moni said Tarique Rahman had assumed power only six months ago, while the country was facing a difficult global and domestic situation.
“Within a few days of Tarique Rahman coming to power, war broke out between Iran and America. In 85 countries, oil prices increased overnight. Our Nazrul did not increase the price of oil,” he said.
Referring to long queues at petrol stations, “The queue at the petrol pumps became longer and then disappeared, and the difference was only three days. Did the oil fall from the sky within three days? We have to understand. The oil was already here. Some people create problems in society,” he said.
On the electricity crisis, Moni questioned what benefit Tarique Rahman would derive from people suffering from power shortages.
“Everyone here is suffering from the electricity problem. What benefit does Tarique Rahman get from it? Does Tarique Rahman benefit from it?” he asked.
He urged people to examine whether the government is making sincere efforts and to identify those responsible for creating problems.
Moni also criticised what he described as double standards among some people protesting against power shortages.
“Some people become impatient and take to the streets saying there is no electricity. Some will sit in front with lanterns. But if you look behind them, the fan is turning, while there is a lantern in front. Double standard!” he said.
He said some people create such situations in Bangladesh, urging journalists and BNP leaders, activists to play a responsible role.
Moni urged people not to expect Tarique Rahman to solve every problem within a few days.
“Do not expect Tarique Rahman to solve all problems in seven days. Explain this to those who expect it. Explain this to those who make big speeches,” he said.
He again described Tarique Rahman as “our Nazrul”, saying such a figure does not emerge in every generation.
He said Tarique Rahman had provided funds to develop industries, create opportunities for young people and enhance their skills.
“There is no sector in villages and towns where Nazrul has not extended his hand,” he said.
He said Bangladesh is fortunate to have such a compassionate person.
“Such a Nazrul will not be born again. If we lose this Nazrul, Bangladesh will not get another Nazrul,” he said.
Moni also compared Tarique Rahman with Ziaur Rahman, saying Ziaur Rahman had been “a Nazrul”.
“After that Nazrul left, we were oppressed by authoritarianism for a long time. If this Nazrul leaves again, I do not know whether we will ever return from this oppression,” he said.
Mony concluded by calling for unity and saying, “We will all stay together, InshaAllah. We will listen to the flute of this Nazrul.”
