BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has said that religion must not be used as a tool for political gain. “Islam is not a political box. Those who seek to create division in the name of Islam must be confronted politically—through the ballot,” he declared.He made the remarks on Saturday (September 27) while addressing the Cumilla South District BNP Conference at the Cumilla Town Hall ground as the keynote speaker. Salahuddin launched a sharp attack on the ruling party, saying, “The history of the Awami League is one of looting and terrorism. Their record is marked by theft, money laundering, and the murder of democracy. During the 2024 movement, the Awami League killed 1,400 people and crippled more than 20,000. After so much bloodshed and sacrifice, only with the fall of Hasina have we been able to reach this stage. We must never forget our blood-stained history.”
In contrast, he portrayed BNP as a reformist force. “The history of BNP is the history of reform. It is the history of shaping the nation’s aspirations through political reform. BNP has consistently taken timely decisions in this country through reform,” he said.
Criticizing the ruling party’s rhetoric, Salahuddin added, “By exploiting the spirit of ’71, Hasina sought refuge in Delhi. Her obsession with trading on that spirit ended with her political death in Dhaka and burial in Delhi. Just as the exploitation of ’71 cannot continue, business in the name of religion will not be tolerated either. Nor will political trading on the July uprising. The people are now conscious and will not give space to such opportunists.”
He further said, “Some people act as if they can sell tickets to paradise. But can anyone sell a ticket to heaven? Those who attempt to do so are nothing but religious traders.”
Referring to BNP’s reform agenda, Salahuddin asserted, “They speak of reform, but they don’t realize that the true architect of reform today is Tarique Rahman. His 31-point program is the real framework for reform in this country. We have not sealed it; if anyone proposes further rational reforms, they can be added. Reform never ends—it is an ongoing process.”
On elections, he commented, “Some have said there can be no election without justice and reform. But the people of Bangladesh are eagerly waiting for an election. I believe that a democratic government will come through a free and fair election.”
Calling on leaders and activists to strengthen BNP’s presence online, Salahuddin urged, “You must remain active on social media. A group is continuously spreading propaganda against us using artificial intelligence. You have to respond to these lies and present the truth.”
The conference was also attended by BNP Vice Chairman Barkatullah Bulu, Chairperson’s Adviser Monirul Hoque Chowdhury, Haji Aminur Rashid Yasin, Cumilla Divisional Organizing Secretary Principal Selim Bhuiyan, BNP’s Central Industry Affairs Secretary Md. Abul Kalam, Assistant Organizing Secretary for Cumilla Division Md. Mostak Mia, Cumilla South District BNP Convener Zakaria Taher Suman, Member Secretary Ashiqur Rahman Mahmud Wasim, and several other leaders at different levels.