United News of Bangladesh

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday questioned whose agenda Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus is serving by repeatedly citing vague election timeframes—such as December or June—instead of providing a specific and concrete roadmap. “Why can't you settle down on one timeline? You are a world-famous and respected person. Such shifting won’t be well received nationally and internationally,” he said while addressing the National Representative Council 2025 of the Bhasani Anushari Parishad at the Jatiya Press Club auditorium. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said the Chief Adviser, during his last meeting with BNP, promised that his government’s activities would be carried out with the aim of holding the national election by December this year. He said their party also spoke to the Election Commission, which informed them it would be ready by June this year to conduct the election. The BNP leader urged the government to take prompt steps to establish a democratic government elected by the people’s vote. “Several thousand people were martyred for the restoration of the right to vote, democratic rights, and constitutional rights, ultimately achieving the return of elections. Fascism also collapsed through mass uprisings. Now, by denying that very election, whom are you trying to encourage, and which unconstitutional force is benefiting from it?” he said. Current Govt Unelected Salahuddin said whenever BNP demands the promised electoral roadmap from the Chief Adviser to hold the national election by December various advisers make conflicting statements at different times to divert attention from the issue. He said the Home Affairs Adviser recently claimed people want the interim government to remain in power for five years. BNP requests meeting with CA to dispel election confusion The BNP leader also referred to Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhter’s remarks on Saturday, where she claimed that the interim government was 'elected' by the people through a mass uprising. "If that’s the case, then why does the country even have an Election Commission? A change in government through street movements may reflect public sentiment, but it cannot be a substitute for an elected government. You are undoubtedly unelected, and that will be reminded to you every day," he said, pointing at the current government.  Depoliticisation Salahuddin expressed frustration that not all democratic parties are speaking out in unison in favour of holding timely elections and restoring democracy promptly. “We have a wide range of experiences. Even those who orchestrated the 1/11 changeover remained in power for two years under various pretexts,” he recalled. Referring to the political shift in 2007, Salahuddin said the then Fakhruddin-Moyeenuddin-led regime made significant efforts to depoliticise the country. “I’m not saying similar steps are visible at present. But we are like a burnt child that fears even the slightest sign of fire,” he said. Salahuddin said the one-point movement that launched against Sheikh Hasina regime was rooted in a deep desire to restore democratic and constitutional rights and to establish a fair and equal society. He clarified that the recent student uprising was not a social or economic revolution, but a democratic movement against fascism aimed at reclaiming the people’s rights. Salahuddin recalled Bhasani’s contributions to the country and to establishing the rights of working people. The BNP leader bemoaned that though Moulana Bhasani was one of the founders and key leaders of the Awami League, the party did not recognise his role and contributions. He welcomed the Bhasani Janashakti Party, a new political group formed by the Bhasani Anushari Parishad, which aims to build a fair and prosperous Bangladesh. “Another new force has joined the journey of democracy in Bangladesh. We hope they will play a positive role in favour of the country's democracy and the people,” Salahuddin said.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday urged the interim government to remain alert to ensure that no rift is created in the anti-fascist unity over the ‘July Declaration’. Talking to reporters after attending a meeting between the Chief Adviser and political parties and other forces at the Foreign Service Academy, the BNP leader said he raised the question at the meeting of whether a declaration for the July mass uprising was necessary after five and a half months had elapsed. Babar breaks down in tears at Ziaur Rahman’s grave “If any political document becomes a historical record, we will certainly respect it. But we have suggested including all concerned parties and taking their opinions into account when formulating such a document. We have requested the Chief Adviser and all relevant advisers to pay attention to this matter and take appropriate steps to ensure that no rift is created in national unity and no confusion arises among us,” the BNP leader said. He said it is now the biggest challenge for the nation to turn the national unity formed through the July-August mass uprising against fascism into a mass unity and nurture that unity within the country’s political culture and practice it. The BNP leader said the nation must maintain this unity and move forward by upholding it. “As part of our effort, we want to issue an inclusive political statement with all anti-fascist political parties. We must ensure that no fascist forces or their cohorts can sow the seeds of division within us." Salahuddin said he, on behalf of the BNP, attended the meeting and engaged in discussions in response to the Chief Adviser’s call. He said they provided their suggestions and thoughts on governance and various other matters they deemed necessary. All parties reach consensus on inclusive ‘July Declaration’: Asif Nazrul In response to a question, Salahuddin Ahmed said discussions took place regarding the July mass uprising declaration, and the leaders of all political parties shared their views. “We questioned whether there was actually any need for the proclamation of the July mass uprising after five and a half months. If so, the political, historical, and legal significance of the declaration must be determined. We have to be alert so that no rift is created in anti-fascist unity over this declaration,” he said. Responding to another question, Salahuddin said, "We have given various suggestions regarding the preparation of political documents." Asked whether BNP had any objections to the declaration, Salahuddin avoided the question. Earlier, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said all political parties have reached a consensus about an inclusive “July Declaration” recognising the contributions of all parties and forces that participated in the recent mass uprising. BNP’s Salahuddin to join talks with interim govt over July Declaration  Briefing reporters after the meeting, he also said a work plan would be worked out soon regarding the formation of the July Declaration based on consensus.  Dr Asif said leaders of all political parties and forces involved in the July mass uprising, including BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Hefajat-e-Islam, Ganatantra Mancha, the Anti-Discrimination Movement, and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, attended the meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yuns at the Foreign Service Academy.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed left for London on Friday. He took a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8:40 am, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said Salahuddin is travelling to London to meet BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to discuss party matters. Protect country’s resources from ‘vulture eyes’: Tarique Sayrul also said Salahuddin’s daughter resides in London and he is expected to spend some time with her during his visit. Earlier, on November 30, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir travelled to London and returned on December 12. During his stay there, Fakhrul met Tarique Rahman, participated in various party events, and exchanged views with local journalists.

BNP on Thursday urged the government to bring back its Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed who was recently acquitted by the judge court in India's Shillong in a case filed against him over trespassing into the neighbouring country in 2015. "Salahuddin Ahmed is a prominent politician of Bangladesh. He has been forced to spend eight years in jail and under house arrest in India for no valid reasons,” said party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, he also said it is the government's responsibility to bring him back as he was acquitted by the Indian court. "We call upon the government of Bangladesh to take steps for bringing back Salahuddin Ahmed to the country as a free man," Fakhrul said. He also sought the Indian government’s cooperation in this regard. “We want our beloved leader Salahuddin Ahmed back to us immediately.” Read more: BNP demands cancellation of power deal with Adani Fakhrul urged the Indian government to send Salahuddin Ahmed back to Bangladesh with dignity by ensuring his human rights. He also said Salahuddin is one of the victims of the repressive activities of the ‘fascist’ Awami League government. The BNP leader said Salahuddin has been forced to live in exile in India for 8 years facing a ‘false case’. “He was put on trial in an Indian court for illegally entering that country. Salahuddin Ahmed was acquitted by the judgment of the trial court and the appellate court. With his acquittal, Fakhrul said it has been proven that Salahuddin Ahmed has been subjected to endless torture and harassment by the ‘illegitimate’ government of Bangladesh. "We want him back now unconditionally." He also called upon the government to ensure BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s unconditional release so that she can be taken to any advanced centre abroad for her treatment. On February 28 last, the judge court in India's Shillong upheld a magistrate court’s verdict that acquitted BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed in a case filed against him over trespassing into India. Earlier on October 26, 2018, the court of the first class judicial magistrate, DG Kharshiing, acquitted Salahuddin Ahmed in the case and asked the state government to take necessary steps for his immediate repatriation.  After remaining missing for around two months, Salahuddin, a former state minister, was found in Shillong, the capital of the northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya on May 11, 2015. He was arrested for entering India without any valid documents. A case was filed against him under the Foreigners Act. Later, Shillong police pressed charges against him in the case. However, BNP claimed that Salahuddin was picked up from a house in the city's Uttara area on March 10, 2015 allegedly by unidentified men who introduced themselves as detectives. END/UNB/ARJ/JA