BNP Standing Committee member and the party’s nominee for the Cox’s Bazar-1 constituency, Salahuddin Ahmed, has stated that seeking votes solely in the name of religion is a “deception of the people.”
Addressing a meeting with members of the Hindu and Buddhist communities in Pekua on Friday, the BNP leader asserted that his party would ensure the security of all citizens, regardless of their religion, caste, or race.
“The same religion-based political party is participating in the elections in a new form today. The question is—will all citizens of this country be safe in their hands?” he questioned.
Recalling the history of the 1971 Liberation War, Salahuddin noted that minorities, particularly the Hindu community, had to make significant sacrifices. He pointed out that those who did not believe in or want independence were the ones who tortured minorities at that time, and witnesses to those atrocities are still alive today.
The BNP leader also criticised a certain political party for its stance on women’s rights, noting that despite women making up half of the population, the party failed to nominate any female candidates for the National Parliament.
He argued that no country could progress by excluding women.
Regarding the BNP’s platform, Salahuddin announced that the party has a clear ideology and plan, which will soon be presented to the nation in its election manifesto.
He assured the attendees that the legitimate demands of the Hindu community would be included in the manifesto after discussions with the party’s central leadership.
He further remarked that judgment in the afterlife is the sole domain of Almighty Allah, not any individual or party. Salahuddin emphasised that the BNP is firmly committed to preventing and eradicating corruption.
Reflecting on recent events, he stated that the blood shed by students during recent uprisings was an expression of the desire for an egalitarian, just, and discrimination-free Bangladesh. He maintained that the party’s goal is to realise the commitment made by those martyrs.
Salahuddin concluded by urging voters to support the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ (Dhaner Sheesh) symbol on 12 February to build a democratic and humanitarian nation, which he described as the dream of the martyrs and the spirit of the Liberation War.
Later that afternoon, the BNP leader was scheduled to address another election rally at the Barabakia Union Parishad field.
