Staff Reporter :
BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday accused those expressing concerns over the upcoming national election of working against democratic interests, calling for unity among all democratic forces to safeguard the electoral process.
“Those who are spreading fear about the election through various statements against democracy are not forces of democracy. They are not advocates for the people of the country,” Salahuddin said, adding that such actors may be attempting “to manipulate the narrative to delay, disrupt or prevent the elections from taking place.”
He made the remarks while addressing a Milad and Dua Mahfil marking the 81st birthday anniversary of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The event, organised by Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Juba Dal, was held at the party’s central office in Nayapaltan.
Salahuddin urged citizens to stand firm against attempts to derail the democratic process, saying, “The people of the country are united and determined to uphold democracy and exercise their right to vote. They will stand against anyone attempting to halt this democratic journey with sophistries and arguments designed to create obstacles.”
Calling on all democratic political parties to join forces for a free and fair election, Salahuddin emphasised that national consensus was crucial.
In his tribute to Begum Khaleda Zia, the senior BNP leader hailed her as “an indomitable force in the country’s history,” noting her leadership during the nine-year struggle against autocratic military rule following the assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman. “The people of a nation with a leader like Begum Khaleda Zia will never lose their way. She is not just a name rather she is history,” he said.
Salahuddin credited Khaleda Zia with restoring democracy and introducing parliamentary governance, as well as enshrining the provision for a non-partisan caretaker government in the Constitution in 1996 in response to public demand.
Highlighting her continuing role in shaping BNP’s political strategy, he said, “We are following her direction as we seek a democratic transition. She has consistently stressed that dialogue and consensus are essential to ease the path to democracy. As per her guidance, we have engaged in discussions with both the government and other democratic parties.”
Reaffirming BNP’s stance, Salahuddin pledged the party’s commitment to a free, fair, and peaceful election. “We are working toward a national consensus to ensure the democracy for which our children have given their lives, shed blood, and been disabled,” he said.
“We have fought for democracy for 16-17 years. To build a strong democratic foundation and a state based on equality, we must preserve national unity. The unity we have forged against fascism must be transformed into a powerful force.”
