Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Vice-Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu has called on party leaders and activists to remain united and vigilant, emphasizing that BNP is the only party capable of safeguarding the country.Dudu made the remarks on Saturday at a discussion titled “15 Years of Anti-Fascism Struggle and the 24 People’s Uprisings”, held at the Maulana Akram Khan Hall of the National Press Club. The event was organized by Zia Parishad and Agrani Bank PLC.Claiming that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her associates have plundered the banking sector, Dudu said the funds promised to be repatriated by the government remain unreturned. He expressed confidence that, with a change in government, the illegally transferred funds could be brought back, highlighting BNP leaders’ experience and tested leadership.“If we can establish an elected government in the country, it will be able to retrieve funds taken abroad. The party’s leadership, including Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman, has proven capable over years of struggle. I am confident that a significant portion of the funds can be recovered under their administration,” he said.
Dudu also alleged that voter suppression has a long history in Bangladesh, tracing it back to the 1973 elections during Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s tenure, and claimed that Sheikh Hasina has continuously deprived citizens of their voting rights since 2008.
“Democracy means free and fair elections. Sheikh Hasina has destroyed the electoral system over the past 15 years. She must be held accountable for election rigging, genocide, and bank plunder,” Dudu asserted.
Referring to the nation’s liberation war, he added, “The core of the liberation struggle was independence and democracy. But the Prime Minister has denied the essence of our independence by preventing free elections and committing massive corruption. She has turned the country into a hollow shell.”
The BNP leader praised Begum Khaleda Zia for enduring repeated persecution without retaliating, and highlighted Tarique Rahman’s long-standing activism as proof of his tested leadership.
Dudu further stressed the importance of unity among BNP members. “We must stay united and stand with our national leader Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman. This will strengthen their efforts and enable BNP to continue protecting the country. I firmly believe BNP is the only party that can safeguard Bangladesh.”
He also referenced Dr. Muhammad Yunus, stating that placing competent and patriotic individuals in key government and university positions could have greatly improved the country’s administration.
The discussion was presided over by Agrani Bank Director and organizing committee president Md. Suzauddoula and attended by distinguished personalities including Open University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. ABM Obaidul Islam, Janata Bank Director Md. Obaidul Haq, Agrani Bank Director Mohammad Sultan Mahmud, former Krishak Dal Secretary SK Sadi, and KM Rokibul Islam Ripon, president of the Save the Country, Save the People movement.