BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday said that those casting doubt on the upcoming elections were not allies of democracy and that some individuals and groups were making ambiguous statements to undermine the democratic process.
Speaking at a discussion and prayer event organised by the Jatiyatabadi Juba Dal at the BNP鈥檚 central office in Nayapaltan, marking Khaleda Zia鈥檚 birthday, he said that those questioning the elections in the name of democracy are not true supporters of democracy and do not represent the people of Bangladesh.
鈥楾hey may be twisting their words for various reasons, in an attempt to delay or derail the election. But the people of Bangladesh are united and determined to exercise their democratic rights and their right to vote,鈥� Salahuddin said.
Calling for unity among all pro-democracy forces, he urged political parties and civil society to work collectively towards a peaceful and credible election.
鈥榃e must engage in dialogue to facilitate a smooth democratic transition. Let us maintain the same unity in the upcoming elections as we have in the democratic struggle thus far,鈥� he said.
Salahuddin described Khaleda Zia as a historic figure in Bangladesh鈥檚 political landscape, saying that she was not just a name, but a symbol and a chapter of history.
He said that during the Liberation War, Khaleda Zia endured hardship with her two young children, and later she led a nine-year movement against military rule and introduced parliamentary democracy to Bangladesh.
Salahuddin reiterated BNP鈥檚 commitment to constructive engagement and dialogue with the government, saying that they had held numerous discussions under the guidance of Khaleda Zia to establish national consensus and meet all democratic conditions.
He said that the entire nation was waiting for a fair, inclusive, and peaceful election.
Salahuddin called for the preservation of national unity, emphasising that it was essential for building a strong and democratic Bangladesh.
He said that to build a powerful democratic state, it was necessary to maintain and strengthen the national unity already achieved, as only through this collective resolve, the hopes of those who sacrificed for democracy, could be fulfilled.
At the discussion meeting, former Juba Dal president Saiful Alam Nirab, among others, spoke, with Juba Dal general secretary Nurul Islam Nayon presiding over the event.