BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu has said that a truly patriotic political party must be elected in the upcoming February national election — one that has been tested, that participated in the Liberation War, declared independence, and fought for the country’s freedom.“That party is the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) — the party of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia, and Tarique Rahman,” he said.Dudu made the remarks on Sunday (October 25) at a citizens’ rally in front of the National Press Club, organized by the Desh Bachao, Manush Bachao Andolon (Save the Country, Save the People Movement). The rally was held to demand the protection of national sovereignty and the restoration of democracy.
‘Bangladesh Must Be Protected from Conspiracies’
The BNP leader said Bangladesh must be protected — its independence and sovereignty must be safeguarded.
“Bangladesh is now facing various conspiracies. You all know that the authoritarian clique — those who were involved in genocide and turned the country into a heaven for plunderers — have taken refuge in a neighboring country after the mass uprising of July–August,” Dudu alleged.
He further said, “Around fourteen months ago, when Sheikh Hasina’s government fell, false propaganda was spread from neighboring countries and certain quarters claiming that Bangladesh’s minorities were in danger. That misinformation was continuously circulated in international media. But now they have stopped, because the world knows that the people of Bangladesh — Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and Muslims — have lived together peacefully for centuries, bound by a shared heritage and culture.”
‘Those Who Committed Genocide Must Face Justice First’
Referring to those accused of crimes against humanity, the former president of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (BNP’s student wing) said,
“Everyone has political rights, and we do not deny that. But those who committed genocide, who killed the sons and daughters of this nation — even small children — must first face justice. Those who have laundered billions of taka abroad should bring that money back before dreaming of elections. Only then can the people decide whether they deserve to contest.”
‘People Are Struggling; Government Must Create Jobs’
Dudu emphasized that Bangladesh belongs to the common people — to the poor, the farmers, and the workers.
“This is a country of ordinary people. Their problems must be solved first,” he said.
“There is hardly any essential commodity whose price has not increased. Incomes are falling, and job opportunities are nearly nonexistent. We call upon the government to create employment; otherwise, it will be impossible to run the country properly,” he warned.
‘Only a Free and Fair Election Can Save the Country’
The former MP said that conspiracies are afoot across the country, with both visible and invisible forces working to destabilize the situation.
“To resist them, we need a free, fair, and credible election. In that election, the people must elect a patriotic party — one that has been tested, that participated in the Liberation War, that declared and fought for independence. That party is BNP — the party of Shaheed Zia, Begum Zia, and Tarique Rahman,” Dudu declared.
He added, “Our election symbol is the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’, and the people still see no alternative to it. We must remain united and move forward under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. There is no other path. I call upon everyone to unite and join the struggle to save the nation.”
Other Speakers
The rally was presided over by K.M. Rokibul Islam Ripon, president of the Desh Bachao, Manush Bachao Andolon.
Among others who addressed the gathering were Habibur Rahman Habib, Adviser to the BNP Chairperson; Lion Faruk Rahman, Chairman of the National Labour Party; former MP Lincoln; and Gias Uddin Khokon, President of the Ziaur Rahman Social Welfare Council.