Dhaka: BNP leader Zainul Abdin Faruk has stressed the importance of protecting people’s rights, safeguarding national interests, strengthening democratic movements and maintaining political unity at a programme marking the 45th founding anniversary of the PNP Party.
Speaking at the event, Faruk said strengthening the people’s power is more important for protecting the state and national sovereignty than strengthening the position of any individual or political leader. He said ensuring people’s rights would make it easier to confront any threat to the country.
Referring to the political movements of the past 17 years, Faruk said various political parties had struggled for years but had failed to bring large numbers of ordinary people into the streets. Later, students led quota and anti-discrimination movements, followed by the July-August movement, which brought together people from different sections of society.
He said political and social forces with differing views had also come together around a common objective during those movements.
Discussing the 20-party alliance, the 12-party alliance and the simultaneous movement, Faruk said different political groups had remained on separate platforms for strategic reasons while participating in programmes based on common demands. According to him, discussions and coordination among various political parties played an important role in organising the movement. He also referred to the 31-point reform agenda as part of that process.
On religion and the governance of the state, Faruk said religion and state administration are separate matters. He said language, culture, history, the legacy of the Liberation War and geographical identity, alongside other factors, are important in shaping a nation and governing a state.
In this context, he referred to the concept of Bangladeshi nationalism associated with former president Ziaur Rahman and expressed his support for the political legacies of Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
Faruk also expressed concern over the country’s economic situation. Referring to liquidity problems in the banking sector, public debt and allegations of money laundering, he said banks hold people’s deposits and therefore customers should be able to withdraw their money when necessary.
He also discussed Bangladesh-India relations and the current status of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in India. Faruk said Bangladesh should maintain good relations with India but should not compromise on its national interests. He called for Sheikh Hasina to return to Bangladesh and face the legal process, saying allegations against her should be resolved through the courts.
Faruk further said freedom of expression should be respected in relation to political activities and social-media discussions, while national security and national interests should also be taken into consideration. At the same time, he opposed enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, saying existing laws should be used to maintain law and order.
Describing politics as a field of sacrifice, Faruk praised the patriotism and nationalist spirit of Indian independence leader Subhas Chandra Bose. He said he had also found similar nationalist qualities in Ziaur Rahman.
Towards the end of his speech, Faruk recalled a past conversation with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia concerning the country’s political situation and the prospect of an election. According to his account, she had advised political leaders to build public opinion in favour of people’s voting rights and to remain cautious about the possible consequences of political developments.
He also referred to a comment attributed to Khaleda Zia regarding the possibility of political cooperation between Jamaat-e-Islami and the Awami League, saying such a development could occur if a neighbouring country wanted it.