Salahuddin slams AL as fascist, mafia force

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said the Awami League (AL) is not a political party but a force responsible for genocide, fascism and mafia-style politics.

He made the remarks while addressing an election rally at Bamubilchari under Chakaria Upazila in Cox’s Bazar in the afternoon.

Salahuddin Ahmed, also a BNP-nominated candidate for the Cox's Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua) constituency, said that AL has never possessed genuine political character.

Addressing the rally, he said those who still feel sympathy for the AL are being urged to stand with pro-liberation forces, alleging that the party never truly believed in the existence of Bangladesh.

He added that the AL sought to turn Bangladesh into a subordinate state of India and was eventually forced to flee the country in the face of a mass uprising, taking shelter in India.

The BNP leader expressed hope that people who supported the AL in the past are now realising their mistakes and would uphold the country's independence and democratic values.

He said although former fascist prime minister Sheikh Hasina managed to leave the country, many of her activists could not.

"Not all of them could go to Delhi, nor could she take everyone with her," he said.

Salahuddin Ahmed added that those activists who remained in the country and are connected with other political parties are free to continue their political activities, stating that political participation is a personal right.

Referring to election campaigning, he alleged that a particular party is seeking votes in the name of religion, with some candidates promising "Jannat".

He cautioned voters not to be misled by such campaigns.

Calling on the people to vote for the BNP's election symbol, the sheaf of paddy, he said doing so would ensure development, security and the strengthening of democracy in the country.

Chakaria Upazila BNP President Enamul Huq, its General Secretary M Mobarrak Ali, and former chairman of Bamubilchari Union Parishad Abdul Motaleb, among others, were also present at the rally.