BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed stated on Thursday that the party intends to move forward with a sound and realistic political plan, rather than emotion, in the run-up to the 13th National Parliament Election.
He stated, "The schedule announcement resulted in the successful declaration of the permanent journey of democracy. What we need now is well-planned politics and an organised role."
Salahuddin spoke at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) Convention Hall in the city during the inauguration ceremony for the BNP's 7-day 'Plan for Nation Building' programme.
The senior BNP leader stated that the July Uprising was not a sudden outburst but rather the culmination of a long-term democratic movement that lasted from 2009 to 2024. "We had to shed a lot of blood, and countless sacrifices were made." "We snatched the victory of democracy by stepping over this bloody pedestal," he said.
He added that the people have accepted the party's 31-point outline as a 'Charter for National Liberation'. "The 31-point outline, developed in collaboration with the allies of the simultaneous movement, has now found a place in Bangladesh's democratic epic."
Salahuddin stated that at one point, attempts were made to use political manipulation of religion and the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War to serve partisan interests in the country. He stated, "Those who attempted to survive by politicising the spirit of 1971 are now completely unsuccessful."
Citing a white paper, the BNP standing committee member claimed that approximately 29.25 lakh crore taka was laundered during the Awami League government's tenure. He stated, "The Awami League created a grave for the country." "They also constitutionally buried democracy."
He went on to say, "Democracy will suffer if we forget the incidents of previous disappearances, killings, torture, and human rights violations. Let us not forget those who shot students from helicopters and engaged in enforced disappearances, murders, and corruption."
Salahuddin stated that people across the country are now well aware, indicating the end of political manoeuvring through religious incitement. "One cannot solicit votes by selling the pill of religion," he explained.
He went on to say that in the past, people wearing beards and skullcaps (religious attire) were tortured after being labelled militants. However, he promised that if the BNP gains power, no citizen would be unlawfully arrested.
Regarding the election schedule, the BNP leader stated that, while many were disappointed by the announcement, there was no choice but to accept it. He claimed that those who try to portray proportional representation (PR) or a referendum as barriers to the electoral process are anti-democratic.
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