BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Tuesday warned party leaders and workers that an undesirable situation may arise if they do not avoid bad practices and unruly behaviour that could make people unhappy ahead of the upcoming election.

“In the coming election, we must reach out to people. If people are unhappy with the behaviour of any leader or activist at any level, or if they feel threatened, the entire party will suffer,” he said.

Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader said if the whole party is affected, its founder Ziaur Rahman, Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will be disrespected.

“I sincerely request you not to do such things yourselves, and if anyone else does, please stop them. Otherwise, an unwanted situation may arise,” he cautioned BNP leaders and workers.

Barrister Abdus Salam Talukder Smrity Sangsad arranged the programme at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh, to mark the 26th death anniversary of former BNP Secretary General Barrister Abdus Salam Talukder.

Nazrul, a BNP Standing Committee member, alleged that some people are trying to delay the upcoming election. “An election is ahead, and some may be trying to push it back. But we must go to the people for the election. We have to make our party respectable. Only then can we work for the welfare of individuals,” he said.

Referring to the changed situation in Bangladesh after last year’s mass uprising, the BNP leader urged leaders and workers to work more honestly, more sincerely and with greater seriousness.

“Only then will we be able to play a role in changing the political history of Bangladesh in the days to come,” Nazrul said.

He also called upon party leaders and activists to follow the example of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia in their dealings with people.

Nazrul said individuals are important because it is individuals who build a party, and only a strong party can work for the welfare of the state.

The BNP leader also said in personal life everyone should do only what is necessary and avoid anything inappropriate or harmful to the party or the country. “BNP must work for the welfare of the country and its people in the coming days.”

He reminded everyone that those who are alive have a responsibility towards those who sacrificed their lives over the past 16 years and earlier—those who were killed or became victims of enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killings. “If they had not given their lives, BNP could not have continued its struggle.”

Speaking at the programme, another BNP Standing Committee member, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, recalled former party Secretary General Barrister Abdus Salam Talukder’s contributions to the country, the democratic movement, and in making BNP a stronger party.

BNP leader warns party followers to avoid unruly behaviour

He said Salam Talukder had risked his life to stand beside Begum Khaleda Zia in the struggle to restore democracy during the movement that forced HM Ershad to step down.

“Salam Talukder’s contribution will always be remembered in the history of Bangladesh democracy,” Dr Moyeen said.

In BNP’s history, he said, Salam Talukder was not only an organiser but also a frontline fighter for democracy.