Dhaka, Feb 23 (V7N)-BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu has said the party is not demanding an election right away but rather a fair and credible one, which, according to him, has not taken place in the past 17 years.
Shamsuzzaman made the statement during a rally organized by Thakurgaon BNP at the Public Club grounds on Sunday.
Referring to Jamaat, the BNP leader said the BNP has yet to announce candidates for any of the 300 seats, while others have already declared candidates for all constituencies.
He said the BNP enjoys significant popularity not only in Bangladesh but also globally, expressing confidence that the party will secure victory not just in the upcoming election but in future elections as well.
He remarked that certain quarters find it difficult to accept the BNP’s inevitable success.
Shamsuzzaman described the BNP as a party that thrives on challenges, saying that it is always prepared to confront adversity.
He affirmed that the BNP is ready to make any sacrifice, even lives if necessary, for the restoration of democracy and that the party will not retreat until democracy is firmly established.
Criticizing the advisers in the interim government, Shamsuzzaman questioned their priorities, saying: “They ask why there is such urgency [for election]. But what exactly is your role? Even after six months, you have failed to reduce rice prices, curb inflation or control market syndicates. The issues that existed during Hasina’s tenure remain unresolved and, in some cases, have worsened."
He further said: "Millions of people remain unemployed, yet the government has not created job opportunities, despite it being the state’s responsibility.”
While acknowledging Chief Adviser Dr Yunus’s intellect and contributions, Shamsuzzaman criticized him for telling students to form a party, suggesting that such statements indicate bias.
Addressing the country’s law and order, he said it has deteriorated significantly compared to previous times.
He highlighted growing public anxiety, noting that parents constantly worry about their children’s safety when they are outside.
He asserted that the only way to resolve these issues is through a fair election—something that, he claimed, has not happened in many years.
Directing his criticism towards former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Shamsuzzaman remarked that he no longer wishes to repeat what has been said for 17 years.
However, he alleged that her entire family has been involved in corruption, saying that there is no bank in the country from which they have not embezzled funds.
He declared that if the BNP assumes power through elections, a thorough investigation will be conducted against former Awami League MPs, ministers and grassroots leaders.
END/MSS/AJ
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