Anti-democratic forces still active: Khaleda
Staff Reporter :
BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia has claimed that allies of the fallen fascist regime and anti-democratic forces are still conspiring against democracy.
The former Prime Minister called for collective efforts to restore democracy in Bangladesh, warning that autocratic collaborators remain active in their schemes.
Speaking virtually from London at BNP’s daylong meeting on Thursday, she underscored the importance of unity in resisting autocratic rule.
“Although I am in the UK for medical treatment, my heart remains with you. I express my gratitude to those who have fought tirelessly over the past 15 years for my release,” Khaleda Zia said.
“The country is facing a critical situation. Do not take any steps that could endanger your hard-earned achievements.
The entire nation eagerly anticipates democratic transformation. We must rise above narrow self-interests and work towards the greater good,” she added.
She further warned, “Fascists and their allies are still attempting to undermine the gains of the mass movement.
Let us fortify our newfound freedom and rebuild BNP to its former strength.”
Meanwhile, BNP’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, accused the interim government of sowing confusion over reform efforts and local government elections, reaffirming that the party would not fall into the “trap” of local polls.
Virtually addressing the meeting from London, Tarique Rahman alleged that prioritizing local elections before the national polls was a deliberate attempt to destabilize the political landscape.
“The government is using local elections as a tool to obscure the political scenario ahead of the national election.
This is part of a strategy to sustain Sheikh Hasina’s fascist rule. But BNP will not be deceived by such tactics,” he stated.
Tarique Rahman also urged people to remain vigilant against conspiracies targeting the nation.
“Certain misleading statements from advisors are confusing freedom-loving citizens.
Meanwhile, the country is witnessing unrest, law and order remain fragile, and the government has failed to control the skyrocketing prices of essential goods,” he said.
Approximately 4,000 leaders and activists from across the country participated in the meeting, which commenced at around 11 AM.
BNP’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, presided over the meeting virtually and inaugurated the proceedings.
BNP’s Secretary General, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, delivered the opening remarks.
According to insiders, the primary objective of the daylong meeting was to rally both national and party unity ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Elections and to address the ongoing unrest.
About 20 minutes before the session, BNP’s Publicity Secretary, Sultan Salahuddin, announced that Khaleda Zia would be joining virtually.
Only Mirza Fakhrul from the central committee was permitted to speak, while leaders from thana and district units were given priority in delivering their statements, sources confirmed.
Party insiders further revealed that individuals who had received nominations and primary letters in the 11th parliamentary elections in 2018 were also asked to attend.
No central leader, apart from the acting chairman and secretary general, was given speaking opportunities. Tarique Rahman was scheduled to deliver his remarks at the end, after hearing from grassroots leaders.
For the event, a 27-member implementation committee, led by Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, was formed.
Additionally, an 11-member management committee, headed by Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury, and a 200-member volunteer team, led by Central Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin, were established.
Separate committees for reception, entertainment, and media were also created.
Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the convener of the implementation committee and BNP’s Senior Joint Secretary General, stated, “During the meeting, discussions will focus on party and national unity, the soaring prices of essentials, anti-state conspiracies, and the upcoming elections.”