BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu has said that if the BNP wins the next national election, the Awami League and its close associates will face consequences, democracy will be restored in the country, and the trial of Sheikh Hasina will be expedited. He also emphasized that only an elected government can recover the money laundered abroad and safeguard Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.He made these remarks on Sunday (September 14) while addressing a human chain organized by the Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA) in front of the National Press Club.Dudu said, “The downfall of the Hasina regime took place more than a year ago, but the expected democratic transition has yet to be fulfilled. Over the last 15 to 16 years, we witnessed three elections held under Sheikh Hasina’s handpicked Election Commission. These elections not only failed to uphold democracy but rather destroyed it.”
Highlighting the aspirations of the people, he added, “After the fall of autocracy, citizens want to vote for their preferred candidates, parties, and symbols. Unfortunately, the interim government has failed to deliver on this responsibility, even after being in power for over a year. Meanwhile, some quarters are opposing elections, making excuses that their demands must be met first.”
The former Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal president further said, “Political parties exist because their members believe in their programs. But to implement those programs, they must go to the people, seek a mandate, and form a government. Ironically, some parties that have never won even a single seat in parliament are now dictating how the government should run. This is absurd and an attempt to impose their will.”
Dudu urged the government to stick to its declared roadmap, saying, “The government has promised to hold elections by February. That must be ensured. If elections take place, the BNP, with its proven record of opposing Hasina’s regime, will secure a landslide victory and restore democracy in Bangladesh.”
The former lawmaker reiterated, “If BNP comes to power, Awami League and its close allies will suffer politically. At the same time, democracy will be reinstated, sovereignty protected, Hasina’s trial expedited, and the laundered money repatriated. These are responsibilities only an elected government can shoulder.”
The event was presided over by JAGPA President Khondaker W. Lutfor Rahman. Among others, former Krishak Dal office secretary S.K. Sadi and K.M. Rokibul Islam Ripon, president of the Desh Bachao Manush Bachao Andolon, also addressed the gathering along with leaders and activists from various levels of the party.