Dhaka, Nov 12 (V7N)- BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has asserted that the Awami League must be removed from power solely through the people's vote, cautioning that efforts to "cancel" the party by other means would be ineffective. Speaking at a roundtable titled "Take Back Bangladesh: Citizens' Concerns" at the National Press Club on Tuesday, Khasru emphasized that fascist forces should be defeated through decisive electoral outcomes.

Highlighting the importance of unity, Khasru stated, "Together, we worked for the fall of Hasina. Now, we must unite to build a new Bangladesh. BNP represents both revolution and solidarity. Through national unity, we seek to uphold nationalism in Bangladesh. Only what we achieve together will be lasting."

Khasru criticized narratives that bypass the people's voice, describing them as intolerable. He contrasted the historical leadership approaches of Sheikh Mujib, autocratic regimes, and what he described as Sheikh Hasina’s "fascist" governance, which, he argued, has prioritized development at the expense of democracy. "Development must coincide with democracy," he said, "otherwise it benefits only a select few."

Restoring citizens' ownership of the country through elections, he asserted, is the only legitimate path forward, dismissing alternative narratives.

Regarding reform, Khasru explained that BNP has long been committed to change, noting that in 2016, Khaleda Zia introduced Vision 2030, and later, Tarique Rahman proposed a 31-point reform agenda shaped by multi-party collaboration within the simultaneous movement.

Khasru proposed that a national government comprising representatives of all anti-fascist parties should oversee these reforms. He noted that while an unelected government cannot impose changes based on its own philosophies, the BNP supports implementing reforms that are agreed upon through consensus.

Reiterating BNP’s dedication to the 31-point reform agenda, he added, "After 16 years of struggle, BNP has emerged refined and resilient. Our leaders and activists have made sacrifices, even with their lives, in the fight for democracy, human rights, and the right to vote. We will not waver."

Khasru affirmed BNP's support for an interim government, stressing that the country must be steered back on the right path.

END/MSS/AJ