BNP standing committee member Major (Retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has claimed that certain advisers are “deeply unhappy” about the announcement of election dates.
He made these remarks at a rally organised by Rajshahi city and district BNP units at Alupoti intersection on Wednesday afternoon, marking the anniversary of the July mass uprising.
Thanking Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Hafiz Uddin said: “Some days ago, our leader Tarique Rahman met with Yunus, who promised elections by February. He has kept his word.”
Regarding last year’s mass uprising, the BNP leader stated: “We built a genuine mass movement where at least 500 BNP activists sacrificed their lives.”
Emphasising the need to make the movement meaningful, he said: “Some advisers under Yunus’ interim government claim they’re here to stay for five years. Others suggest Yunus’ administration should continue indefinitely, with no need for elected governments.”
He added: “Certain advisers believe political parties have ruined this country and shouldn’t return to power.”
“BNP came to power four times through public voting, but we were never desperate for power. Without elected governments, Bangladesh cannot develop,” Hafiz asserted.
Recalling history, he said: “In 1971, we heeded Major Ziaur Rahman’s call to initiate the Liberation War nationwide. Had soldiers and students not fought Pakistani forces, independence wouldn’t have been achieved. That war was for democracy – which Awami League’s government went on to destroy.”
The rally, chaired by Metropolitan BNP Convener Ershad Ali Isha, was attended by BNP Rajshahi Divisional Organising Secretary Syed Shahin Shawkat, District Convener Abu Sayeed Chand, and Metropolitan Member Secretary Mamunur Rashid Mamun, among others.