Dhaka, Feb 27 (V7N) –The BNP has instructed its grassroots-level leaders and activists to prepare for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections.
The directive was issued during an extended meeting held at the LD Hall premises of the National Parliament on Thursday.
The meeting was presided over virtually by BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, who joined from London. BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia also addressed the gathering virtually as chief guest. Khaleda Zia is currently in London for advanced medical treatment. A chair was symbolically kept reserved for her at the event.
BNP’s standing committee members, advisors to the chairperson, members of the national executive committee, as well as presidents and general secretaries from metropolitan, district, sub-district and municipal units attended the meeting. Additionally, leaders from affiliated and associated organizations, BNP candidates from the 2018 parliamentary elections and nomination aspirants were present.
At the beginning of the meeting, a one-minute silence was observed in memory of those who lost their lives in the BNP’s prolonged movement against the Awami League government and the student uprising. Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi read out a condolence proposal.
On the main stage of the meeting were BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and standing committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Selima Rahman and Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. The session was conducted by Joint Secretary General Syed Uddin Chowdhury Anee, Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku and Treasurer Rashiduzzaman Millat.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir delivered the welcome speech, stating:
“After Sheikh Hasina’s fall, the people of the country hoped they would soon be able to vote and regain their desired democracy. However, we are yet to see concrete steps in this regard. We ousted fascism to restore democracy, but that has not been fully secured yet. We have made great sacrifices for this cause.”
Following his address, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman addressed the leaders and activists, urging them to prepare for the elections. He said: “The BNP thrives in a democratic environment. When democracy is at risk, the BNP’s existence is also threatened. Now that the mafia leader has fled, democracy is being restored in the country. The national elections are
approaching, and you must be mentally prepared.”
Speaking to the people, he added: “I want to convey a message to the nation- the BNP not only seeks to restore voting rights but also aims to ensure the proper exercise of your right to vote. With your support, the BNP aspires to establish a government that will be accountable to you. We seek the people's support and cooperation.”
Later, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia joined virtually from the UK. She began by expressing gratitude to Allah that, after six years, everyone could reunite in a “fascism-free” Bangladesh. She paid tribute to those martyred in the long struggle and the July uprising.
She said: “The country is going through a critical time. Due to your collective movement and the students’ efforts, the fascist rulers have been ousted. An interim government has been formed. The people’s expectation from them is to implement necessary reforms and conduct an acceptable election to restore democracy.”
She warned: “The allies of the fascists and enemies of Bangladesh are still conspiring to sabotage the achievements of the mass uprising. We must unite with the people and thwart these plots. To build a democratic Bangladesh, we must work together.”
After the leaders’ speeches, there was a lunch break, followed by a closed-door session where grassroots leaders discussed organizational matters and the current political situation. The session continued late into the night, concluding with a strategic address by Tarique Rahman.
Tanbir Uddin Rajib, General Secretary of the BNP’s Hatia Upazila unit in Noakhali district, who came to Dhaka to attend the extended meeting, told Dhaka Tribune: “We have conveyed our concerns to the party leaders. They have listened to us and provided guidance based on the current situation. We have been instructed to prepare for the upcoming elections.”
Regarding the message conveyed at the extended meeting, the BNP chairperson’s advisor Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal told Dhaka Tribune: “Leaders and activists from across the country were invited to this meeting. The party’s policymakers listened to their opinions. Everyone has been instructed to work together and prepare for the upcoming elections.”
END/MSS/AJ
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