BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu has claimed that the recent attacks on Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur and JSD (Jagpa) President Lutfur Rahman prove that Sheikh Hasina and her associates remain active in Bangladesh despite reportedly fleeing to India.Speaking at a protest rally in front of the National Press Club on Wednesday (September 3), organized by the Desh Bachao Manush Bachao Andolon, Dudu said the assault on national leaders such as VP Nur and Lutfur Rahman was a clear attempt at assassination and a manifestation of ongoing terrorism and anarchy.
“After the mass uprising of 2024, people naturally thought the era of dictatorship had ended. They believed that with Sheikh Hasina and her cohorts fleeing the country, the rule of law would be established, stability would return, and people would feel safe. But within a year, the tragic reality is quite the opposite,” he said.
The former JCD president condemned the attacks, insisting those responsible must be brought to justice regardless of their power or influence. “Attackers cannot roam free while those who were injured, jailed, and sued during the mass uprising continue to suffer. This is unacceptable,” he added.
Dudu further accused the Awami League of committing atrocities and plunder during its 16-year rule, aided by the Jatiya Party. “Although the 14-party alliance has now gone into hiding, the attacks on Nur and Lutfur prove that Hasina and her allies are still active,” he said.
He also criticized India, alleging it had provided shelter to Sheikh Hasina and thousands of “looters.” “For the past 16 years, Awami League has looted the country, carried out enforced disappearances, and murders—something unprecedented in our 54-year history. India has harbored this killer and mass murderer Sheikh Hasina. This proves India, in the name of friendship, has encouraged the destruction of democracy in Bangladesh,” Dudu remarked.
The BNP leader warned India that it cannot play both sides: “You cannot shelter mass murderers and looters while also claiming friendship with Bangladesh. Either play the role of a friend or that of an enemy. Even if you act as an enemy, it won’t matter—Bangladesh has already shown in the past year that it can stand on its own feet.”
Calling for national unity, Dudu said, “Conspiracies are ongoing to prevent democracy, fair elections, and the return of Begum Khaleda Zia’s party to power, as well as to block our leader Tarique Rahman from becoming prime minister. We must remain united, face these conspiracies, and move forward.”
The rally was presided over by Desh Bachao Manush Bachao Andolon President K.M. Rokibul Islam Ripon. Among others present were National Labour Party Chairman Lion Faruk Rahman, former MP Juti, former Krishak Dal Office Secretary S.K. Sadi, and Jatiyatabadi Drivers’ Association President Jasim Uddin Kabir.