BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said on Friday that national unity is essential to address the country's ongoing challenges and pave the way for its reconstruction.

During a seminar titled "Youth's Thoughts on Education, Health and Fundamental Rights" at Khulna Press Club, Salahuddin criticized the Awami League, asserting that it has devastated the country across all sectors over the past 16 years.

They destroyed all sectors including social, political, economic, religious, sports, education, health.

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He said that the Awami League formed governments in 2014, 2018 and 2024 by holding fraudulent elections and establishing fascism.

"AL killed democracy and people had no fundamental rights. They did whatever they wanted by bypassing the constitution. Corruption was their main motto," he added.

He mentioned that with the funds laundered through corruption—estimated to be sufficient to double the current education budget and triple the health sector budget—the country’s development could have been significantly better.

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The BNP leader also said that countless members of opposition leaders and activists, including BNP members, have faced enforced disappearances, murders, and torture over the last 16 years.

He further described the history of the Awami League as one of killing democracy, corruption, and money laundering.

To address these issues, Salahuddin said that BNP has proposed 31 reform points and advocates for forming a national consensus government to implement these reforms once they come to power through fair elections.

Meanwhile, experts have said that for the country's sustainable development, it is essential to formulate timely and inclusive policies in both the education and health sectors.

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They pointed out that, just as the education system must be transformed to be technology-based, market-oriented, and equality-driven to develop skilled human resources, the health sector also needs to prioritize improving quality, expanding services, and rebuilding public trust.

The experts urged for the adoption of realistic and effective policies in both sectors, ensuring active participation of the youth.

Bangladesh Jatiya Party Chairman Andaleeve Rahman Partho, Dr. Toufiq Joarder, Shahin Chowdhury, Dr. Sayem Mohammad, Professor Dr. Saiful Islam Khandaker, also spoke at the seminar.