BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Saturday alleged that anti-democratic forces are still conspiring to delay and obstruct the 13th national parliamentary election.
“Democracy relies on a free and fair election, and we are waiting for it. But the anti-democratic forces are still active and plotting to delay and obstruct the February election. We must not forget this. Our struggle for democracy is far from over,” he said.
Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader also said those who benefit from the absence of democracy do not want democracy or the restoration of democratic order in Bangladesh. “You can understand who benefits from the absence of democracy. That is why we must remain united and win this fight for democracy.”
The Zia Parishad organised a programme titled ‘Ziaur Rahman and Present Bangladesh’ at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the National Revolution and Solidarity Day.
Khosru criticised a quarter that talks about elections while trying to create confusion. “Through undemocratic activities, they try to enforce their demands by force. The people of Bangladesh have never accepted this.”
Recalling BNP’s long struggle for the restoration of democracy and people’s rights, he said BNP and democracy cannot be separated. “Democracy cannot survive without BNP, and BNP cannot survive without democracy.”
Khosru warned that if BNP loses the fight for the restoration of democracy through the February election, the country will lose. “If we fail, democracy will fail, and we will fail. So, we must win this battle. Just as Ziaur Rahman united the nation on November 7 to liberate the country, we must also unite to free Bangladesh and restore democracy. We must succeed in this fight.”
He said BNP is not confronting anyone or party as it does not pursue confrontational politics. “We believe in democracy. That is why we tolerate a lot in the interest of democracy and the people of Bangladesh. The political culture of the country must change. No matter how many reforms we make, it will not help if the political culture does not change.”
Khosru said their party follows the path of tolerant politics and even if they disagree, they must respect others’ opinions.
The BNP leader urged political parties to go to the people and seek their mandate through the national election instead of enforcing demands by force.
He said those who believe in democracy should go to the people, but cannot impose decisions through backdoor deals. “Holding a roundtable and forcing decisions on the people is undemocratic.”
The BNP leader said those who have confidence in the people do not want backdoor deals but go to the public for their mandate.
Pointing at party leaders and workers, he urged them to remain united and work for the candidate nominated by the party to ensure their victory.