Dhaka, Mar 23 (V7N) - Yasin Ferdous Murad, President of the Dhaka District Jubo Dal, has asserted that the Bangladesh Army remains a source of national pride and a pillar of trust for the people. He warned against any attempts to drag the patriotic force into controversy, emphasizing that such actions would be detrimental to the country. Murad made these remarks while attending an Iftar gathering organized by Sutipara Union BNP and its affiliated organizations in Dhamrai at the Srirampur Bazar Field on Sunday.

Reflecting on recent political developments, Murad credited the army’s role in the July Movement, stating that had they not stepped in during the crisis, the death toll would have been significantly higher. He remarked that despite the turmoil, Sheikh Hasina would not have willingly stepped down. He also praised the military’s commitment to national security, recalling how they ensured public safety after August 5, when the country was on the verge of collapse. He asserted that the army continues to work tirelessly to safeguard Bangladesh’s sovereignty and democracy.

Murad also called on opposition political parties to maintain unity and follow the leadership of Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the BNP. He credited Tarique Rahman with leading the July Movement and expressed confidence that he would also lead the rebuilding of Bangladesh. Stressing the importance of preventing fallen autocrats and their allies from regaining influence in politics, he urged party members to stand united for a democratic future.

In a separate event on Saturday, at a prayer and Iftar gathering organized by Sombhag Union BNP, Murad reiterated that removing remnants of the fallen autocratic regime from state institutions should be the first step in any national reform efforts. He accused these elements of infiltrating various levels of the administration and conspiring against the country. Murad alleged that the government is planning local elections before the national election as a strategy to bring these forces back to power.

He highlighted the deprivation of voting rights over the last three elections and pointed out that millions of young voters have never had the opportunity to cast a ballot. Murad insisted that a fair national election should be prioritized to ensure the political empowerment of the youth.

Both events were attended by prominent local leaders. The Iftar gathering in Dhamrai was chaired by former school principal Jalal Uddin and included figures such as Lokman Hossain, Ebadul Haque Jahid, Monirul Islam, Zahidul Islam, Mohammad Alal, and Mosharraf Hossain. Meanwhile, the event in Sombhag was chaired by former Dhamrai Upazila BNP General Secretary M.A. Jalil and saw participation from Lokman Dewan, Mojibur Rahman Khan, Afsar Uddin, Khurram Chowdhury Tutul, Shahjahan Hossain Shipu, Abu Taher, and Akhtaruzzaman Liton, among others.

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