BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu has claimed that elections in Bangladesh have been deliberately delayed to prevent the BNP from regaining power. “BNP remains the most popular political party in the country. The elections could have taken place much earlier, but I believe they have been intentionally postponed to stop BNP,” he said. Dudu made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion and prayer meeting marking the 24th death anniversary of former BNP Vice Chairman Afsar Ahmad Siddiqui on Tuesday (October 14) at the Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the National Press Club. The event was organized by the Afsar Ahmad Siddiqui Memorial Foundation.
He emphasized that BNP continues to enjoy top popularity. “In my view, the elections could have been held within the last three months. Due to national and international conspiracies, the election has been delayed. However, whenever the election takes place, people expect and firmly believe that under the leadership of BNP, the ‘Shiekha Dhaner Sheesh’ symbol, and the country’s leader Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman, the party will achieve a landslide victory and return to power,” he added.
Dudu praised Begum Khaleda Zia, saying, “Madam is still alive, though somewhat out of public view. She remains Bangladesh’s most popular leader, highly revered and loved by the people.”
Criticizing the Awami League, the former student leader remarked, “A political organization cannot survive without ideals, programs, and dedicated members. We have seen this reality in the downfall of the Awami League. Similarly, the National Party exists in name only but has no real presence as a functioning party. The Awami League is now merely a chapter in history. I believe it can never return effectively to politics. Occasional isolated rallies cannot sustain a political organization.”
Dudu further accused Sheikh Hasina of failing to seek accountability for past atrocities. “As time passes, Sheikh Hasina will be compelled to answer to history. How shameless must a person be to want to continue in politics after committing genocide and looting the country’s banks, without seeking forgiveness or expressing remorse to the nation? To date, neither she nor her party has sought pardon or shown regret, yet they still wish to engage in politics — this is astonishing.”
He expressed confidence in democracy, saying, “As long as Bangladesh exists, democracy will survive; autocracy can never return. We view this as the verdict of history.”
Urging unity, Dudu said, “We must remain united until democracy is restored. Various forces, both domestic and international, are trying to hinder democratic progress. That is why we must stand together, maintain unity, and confront our adversaries.”
Recalling Afsar Siddiqui, he added, “In Jessore, leaders like Afsar Siddiqui and Tarique Rahman guided us. Though they are no longer alive, their memory, ideals, and struggle remain a source of inspiration for us.”
Dudu also reflected on the historical roots of BNP, stating, “Those of us involved in politics once expected leaders to keep politics in the hands of politicians. The situation today is vastly different. Leaders like Afsar Siddiqui and Tarique Islam once helped the late President Ziaur Rahman build BNP. Despite facing numerous obstacles, oppression, and imprisonment, BNP has remained steadfast in defending democracy.”
The discussion and prayer meeting, presided over by Jahangara Siddiqui, also featured speeches by BNP Assistant Information Secretary and Bangladesh Federal Journalists’ Union Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, Labor Party Chairman Lion Faruk Rahman, BNP Assistant Education Secretary Helen Jerin Khan, Desh Bachao Manush Bachao Movement President K.M. Rokibul Islam Ripon, and Religious Affairs Secretary of Krishok Dal Kader Siddiqui, among others.