Staff Reporter :
BNP Standing Committee Member Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain has said that peace is gradually returning to Bangladesh, with renewed optimism for a possible election in February following the London meeting between Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman.
“If you compare the situation in Bangladesh before and after that meeting, you’ll notice a decline in various forms of unrest. Stability is returning, and people now feel hopeful about an election that many had attempted to delay,” said the BNP Standing Committee member.
He urged the interim government to promptly restore the people’s rights and return the country’s ownership to its citizens through the
arrangement of a national election.
“The key to shaping Bangladesh’s future lies in swiftly reinstating the people’s democratic rights,” Zahid added. He also called on the government to remain alert and ensure no efforts are made to postpone the upcoming election.
The event was organised by the Nationalist Research Foundation (NRF) under the title “The Leadership of Statesman Ziaur Rahman and Present-day Bangladesh” at the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka.
Speaking at the event, Zahid also criticised Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh for opposing the joint press conference held after the London meeting.
In reference to the meeting between the Chief Adviser and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on June 13, Zahid remarked that a lot of speculations have followed, though similar meetings have taken place with other parties as well.
He pointed out that Jamaat and several other political parties had also met the Chief Adviser at his official residence, Jamuna, and briefed the media afterwards. Additionally, the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam had provided separate briefings to journalists regarding those meetings.
“There’s nothing wrong with any of that. But criticising the joint press conference following the meeting with Tarique Rahman reflects double standards. Perhaps it’s time to take a good look in the mirror,” Zahid remarked.
He emphasized that Tarique Rahman is more than just a political figure – he represents the country’s largest political constituency and is the eldest son of Bangladesh’s independence proclaimer and former President Ziaur Rahman, as well as three-time Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
“Tarique Rahman has united democratic forces with his capabilities and is leading them forward. So, comparisons made with him often draw laughter,” Zahid said.
Responding to Jamaat’s claim that the joint press conference in London had embarrassed the nation, Zahid replied, “Don’t speak on behalf of the entire nation. You are not the spokesperson for 18 crore people. If your party felt embarrassed, say so – but don’t generalize.”
He continued, “When you speak for the whole nation, the context changes. Don’t forget, the largest political party in Bangladesh is the BNP.”
Zahid further stated that BNP is not interested in those who speak negatively about it, as the party is focused on progress and the future, rather than the past.
Highlighting BNP’s earlier announcement of a 31-point election manifesto, he encouraged Jamaat to present its own platform to the public.
“Let the people decide whom do they want to entrust with the responsibility of running and rebuilding the country,” he concluded.
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