BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu has called on all political parties, including the BNP, participating in the upcoming national election to remain vigilant and united in the greater interest of the country and democracy.He said, “Unity must not be broken. The tyrannical and looter forces must not be allowed to take advantage again, as that would endanger the very existence and independence of the nation.”Dudu made these remarks on Thursday while addressing a citizens’ rally organized by the Bangladesh Citizens’ Rights Movement in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka. The rally was held to demand a level playing field for the national election and the arrest of pro-Awami League elements embedded within the administration.
The BNP leader said, “We must remember that the perpetrators of genocide have fled after looting and destroying the country’s economic institutions—banks, insurance companies, and other financial sectors. Their aim was to cripple Bangladesh, but they have not completely disappeared. Therefore, we must remain cautious.”
Dudu added, “The demand for elections comes from the people themselves—from farmers, workers, and the working class who want their right to vote. BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman have been fighting alongside the people for the past sixteen years to restore that right.”
Referring to Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment, he said, “Our leader was unjustly sentenced to ten years in prison under false charges. She spent nearly six years in detention without proper medical treatment. By the grace of Allah, she survived.”
Speaking about Tarique Rahman, Dudu said, “Numerous cases have been filed against our leader Tarique Rahman. He has been treated as though he has already been sentenced to life imprisonment. Many believe his safety would be at risk if he returned home. However, he is preparing, and the party is also getting ready.”
Highlighting the challenges ahead, he warned, “If we are not prepared for the days to come, danger may follow. To protect our country, independence, and sovereignty, we must all stay united. We need to bring to power a party that is tested, trustworthy, and accountable to the people. I firmly believe that party is the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), whose symbol is the paddy sheaf, and whose leaders are Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman.”
Calling for a continued struggle against fascism, Dudu stated, “We must take a vow that those who are killers and perpetrators of genocide must never return to power. That is our mission.”
He also urged everyone to stay united for a free, fair, and transparent election, saying, “Those who were involved in irregularities and looting during the past three elections must not be allowed to remain in the administration. The government has already said that such people will not be retained—but that promise must be fulfilled.”
The event was presided over by M. Jahangir Alam, president of the Bangladesh Citizens’ Rights Movement.
Among others who spoke were: BNP Joint Secretary General Advocate Abdus Salam Azad, Executive Committee members Abu Naser Md. Rahmatullah and Shaha Necharul Haque, Krishak Dal Joint Secretary General Shaha Abdullah Al Baki, Library Affairs Secretary Abdur Razi, Krishak Dal leaders Shafiqul Islam Sabuj, Ramiz Uddin Rumi, Robiul Islam Talukder Robi, Amir Hossain Danez, and Md. Musa Farazi.