United News of Bangladesh

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday said no imposed law, order or forced proposal can be allowed to interfere with the sovereignty of the National Parliament. “We do not want the sovereignty of the National Parliament to be undermined in any way. That is why we will not allow any imposed law, order or coercive proposal to interfere with Parliament’s sovereignty,” he said. Speaking at a pre-march silent rally at Shahbagh, Salahuddin said Parliament is the country’s only sovereign House, representing the people. “Only the members elected by the people can exercise that sovereign authority. In Bangladesh, he said, discussions or proceedings of Parliament cannot be challenged in court. “We repeat that no proposal or imposed measure can be allowed to dictate or undermine the sovereignty of that National Parliament.” Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said their party welcomes the proposal to hold a referendum on the same day as the next national election, saying it would save time and cost and allow greater voter participation. “But a referendum cannot be used to enact laws or amend the Constitution. For that, a National Parliament must be formed. We want the national election to be held in the first half of February. We want to exercise our right to vote, and the people of this country are eager to cast their votes freely and enthusiastically,” he said. Referring to the July National Charter, Salahuddin reiterated that BNP is committed to implementing the charter exactly as it was written and signed on October 17. The rally titled “Growing Violence and Disrespect Against Women: Conscious Society Ready to Resist” was organised by the Women and Children Rights Forum in front of the National Museum at Shahbagh. After the rally, women participants covered their faces with black cloths and held a silent march from Shahbagh to the Central Shaheed Minar. Salahuddin accused a certain religious political party of exploiting religion for political gain. “There is a party that does business in the name of religion, engages in political business, and wants to win votes by selling different kinds of ‘tickets to heaven’. Women are now being oppressed at their hands.” BNP thanks Prof Yunus for reaffirming Feb election, same-day referendum He said this party wants to confine women to their homes, keep half the population in darkness, and block women’s progress. “They are calling for reduced working hours for women, claiming it will prevent inconvenience in employment. But reducing working hours will actually harm women’s employment. If working hours are cut, many offices, institutions and factories will hesitate to hire women. Employment will decrease, not increase,” the BNP leader warned. Salahuddin said women must have the opportunity to work with dignity and prove their skills through full employment. “Those calling for reduced working hours have bad intentions. They want women confined. They do not want society to progress.” He observed that the country can move forward only if both men and women progress equally and if their safety, dignity and opportunities are ensured in all sectors. Salahuddin said BNP has prepared a comprehensive plan for women based on its 31-point agenda, covering education, employment, security and housing. He strongly condemned the recent assault on BNP women activists in Rajshahi, who were allegedly beaten and humiliated by supporters of a religious party. The BNP leader also criticised the case filed against a teacher of Jahangirnagar University for comments made during a talk show. “Her words offended a fanatical group, and they filed a case. We want a society where everyone is equal, without divisions based on religion, ethnicity, caste, culture or language.” Salahuddin said ensuring equal rights for all citizens is the true spirit of democracy, independence and sovereignty. “Our only identity should be that we are citizens of Bangladesh. There should be no majority–minority divisions or cultural or linguistic discrimination.” Chief Adviser breached signed July Charter, says Salahuddin He said the July uprising and past movements were aimed at building such a Bangladesh, and the fight must continue to establish a strong democratic state free from discrimination. The rally was chaired by BNP Standing Committee member and Forum convener Selima Rahman and conducted by member secretary Nipun Roy Chowdhury. Jahangirnagar University Professor Mehrin Islam Khan, PSC member Professor Chowdhury Saima Ferdous, former MPs Shirin Sultana, Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, Bilkis Islam and Mayer Daak platform coordinator Sanjida Islam Tuli, among others, spoke the programme.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday alleged that the recommendations made by the National Consensus Commission do not fully reflect the discussions held with political parties, nor do they align with the provisions of the July Charter signed on October 17. “The charter includes only the Commission’s proposals. It does not mention what the political parties recommended, where consensus was reached, or where notes of dissent were recorded,” he said while speaking at a seminar held at a city hotel Salahuddin said the document signed by political parties at the South Plaza of the National Parliament was supposed to manifest the issues discussed with the Commission, but that consistency is missing. The BNP leader said the charter attached a schedule proposing amendments to 48 articles of the Constitution, which would be subject to a national referendum. “If this was their plan all along, then what was the point of holding 11 months of discussions under the Commission?” he asked. October 2006 incident was the first manifestation of Hasina’s fascism: Rizvi The BNP leader further said that during the Commission’s deliberations, when political parties sought assurance of the charter’s implementation, the BNP had proposed issuing a gazette notification to guarantee it. Although most parties supported the idea, the Commission later backtracked on the decision, he claimed. Reflecting on his own experience with the Commission, Salahuddin said, “I often felt isolated, as if I alone was on the opposing side. It seemed the Commission and several parties tried to impose their decisions.” He alleged that both the Commission and some political parties attempted to impose “unconsidered decisions” on the nation, while the BNP represented the voice of the people. Salahuddin also claimed that several of the issues now being put forward for a referendum were never discussed at the Commission level. “I was the first to suggest holding a referendum alongside the national election, and most political parties agreed with me then. But the 48 constitutional points now set for a referendum were never discussed with the Commission,” he said. BNP rejects Consensus Commission’s call for pre-election referendum: Khosru Expressing concern, the BNP leader warned that the Commission’s and government’s current approach would deepen political divisions instead of fostering consensus. He also criticized the Election Commission, terming its decision to compel alliance members to contest under their own electoral symbols “undemocratic.” Salahuddin concluded by expressing hope that the interim government would act as a true caretaker administration, maintaining neutrality in its functions.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday urged all political forces to ensure the strict implementation of the July Charter in accordance with the law and the Constitution, warning that any actions taken outside legal procedures could face future judicial challenges. “The July charter will be a historic and comprehensive document of political consensus in national life…We are all committed to implementing it, and the proper forum for its implementation is an elected national parliament. No party has any objection to this,” he said. Speaking at a discussion at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh, organised by Gono Odhikar Parishad on its fourth founding anniversary, the BNP leader said that to ensure the parliament is bound to implement the charter, a proposal will now be sent to the government by the National Consensus Commission. “Only after the recommendation is given, the legal procedures can be known. I would like to appeal to all political parties and to the people that we must in no way go beyond the lawful or constitutional process. We must guide this nation through an orderly and lawful path,” he said. Khosru renews call for political unity to restore democracy through elections Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said some people, out of emotion, suggest that many revolutionary orders could be issued in line with the people’s will expressed through the July uprising. “But this is only an emotional statement. To realise the people’s will, we have all relied on the Constitution. This government has been formed constitutionally, and we are still running the state in a lawful and constitutional manner,” he said. The BNP leader said some matters may be debated regarding whether true constitutionality has been maintained in forming the interim government. “Through Article 106 and Supreme Court approval, we have tried to ensure legality. Some provisions of the Constitution may appear aggregated, but their legitimacy will be confirmed by the next parliament when it validates government actions. Other laws passed will also need ratification. This is the rule and tradition, and Bangladesh has preserved its constitutional tradition in this way,” he said. Salahuddin stressed that no extra-constitutional step should be taken that could raise questions in the future. Tarique pledges highest budget allocation for education if BNP returns to power “The July national charter has been signed by all and consented to with notes of agreement. When it is implemented on the basis of the sovereign consent of the people and made binding on a parliament, no MP or the parliament can bypass it. This reflects the true will of the people, and the constitutional power of the people, as expressed through referendum, will be respected under Article 7. The next parliament will be obliged to implement that consent,” he said. The BNP leader also appealed for careful, rule-based action so that the July charter is implemented through national unity, fulfilling the dreams of the martyrs and the expectations of the people. “We must ensure that no one should ever be able to claim our whole process was illegal. I am not saying this only for today or the next five years. We must lay a foundation now so that even 10 or 15 years from now no one can take this matter to court. Therefore, we must cautiously carry forward the achievements we have won,” he said. Salahuddin said the political parties must maintain the same unity that brought victory in the anti-fascist democratic movement — the unity that forced fascism to fall and its leaders to flee. He said everyone should stand together on the questions of Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty and democracy, and that they must not allow fascism to return in any form. “If our unity against fascism is broken for any reason, it will only invite the return of fascism. We must shut every door to the return of fascism and remain united on that. The anti-fascist national unity will be the only strength for us to move forward in the days ahead,” Salahuddin said.  

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday warned that the nation will not forgive political parties if fascism returns to Bangladesh because of their divisions. “If our disunity and divisions ever open the door for the return of fascism, the nation will never forgive us. We must, therefore, stay united,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a programme marking the 21st founding anniversary of the Daily Naya Diganta at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital. He said all parties must stand together and close every door to the return of the fascist Awami League. “We must hold on to this pledge.” The BNP leader also said political parties must fulfill the promise made with the blood of the sons and daughters of the land and the martyrs of the student-led mass uprising. “I hope in the coming days we will all remain united despite our differences of opinion and ideology when it comes to the country, its democracy, independence and sovereignty,” he said. Put aside differences, join polls: Fakhrul to all parties  Salahuddin said it is a sacred duty for all to build a strong democratic state and society for future generations. “We have heard the glorious stories of our student-led uprising and the bloodstained days of struggle. Standing on that proud past, we must now look forward. It is we who must build the Bangladesh of tomorrow. For our future generations, we must leave behind a truly strong democratic society and state system. This is our sacred duty—our civic, political and social responsibility,” he observed. Recalling his personal struggles, the BNP leader said, “For writing a few columns, I had to live in exile for nearly nine and a half years, endure torture at Aynaghar, and spend time in prison.” Sharing a memory, Salahuddin said, “Once, Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman and I were kept in separate prison cells at PG Hospital. He was on a hunger strike then. I tried to convince him to break his fast, telling him that if he died, Sheikh Hasina would be happy. Later, senior leaders intervened and he broke the strike after six or seven days.” Gayeshwar warns of rising communal forces after fall of ‘fascism’ The BNP leader urged the media to play a constructive role through their writing in building a democratic state.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday expressed the hope that their party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will return home by November. “I believe our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will return to the country within November. We are waiting for his return,” he told reporters at his Gulshan residence. When asked whether there is any specific date for Tarique’s return, the BNP leader said, “You’ll know the exact date very soon. But I hope he’ll be back within November.” Asked about Tarique’s possible constituencies in the next national election, he said the BNP Acting Chairman will surely contest the election as he himself has already said this in interviews. “The constituencies will be decided later. He can contest from any seat in Bangladesh,” he said. On whether BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will take part in the upcoming election, Salahuddin said, “We hope our leader Begum Khaleda Zia will decide based on her health condition. We definitely want her to contest the polls.” The BNP leader also said their party will give the green signal to its candidates in 200 constituencies within this month. Salahuddin dismisses Jamaat’s call for executive recognition of July Charter Responding to a question about a possible alliance with the National Citizen Party (NCP), Salahuddin said political discussions are going on, but no formal decision has been made yet. “Talks are still at the discussion level. Let’s wait and see how things move forward,” he said. The BNP leader expressed dissatisfaction over the way the Representation of the People Order (RPO) amendment was passed, saying it would discourage small parties from forming alliances. “We agreed to several clauses of the RPO amendment. Under sub-clause 20(1), if a party joins an alliance, it can contest under another party’s symbol. Most parties supported this change,” he said. Salahuddin said they were confident that this would be considered. “But the way the RPO has been passed will discourage smaller parties from forming alliances. As a result, many senior leaders of small parties will lose opportunities.” Salahuddin says attempts to pit BNP against July Uprising will fail He questioned why the RPO was passed unilaterally. “BNP wants a vibrant, multi-party parliament. For the sake of a fair election, I urge the authorities to reconsider this matter.” Salahuddin said BNP has agreed to introduce a ‘No’ vote option in constituencies with single candidates to ensure no one can win uncontested. He also informed that BNP will send a formal letter to the Election Commission expressing its objections to certain parts of the RPO amendment.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday said not signing the National July Charter by a few political parties, including the National Citizen Party (NCP), will not have any major impact on the upcoming national election. “As far as I know, the NCP and three to four left parties could not attend the signing ceremony. I will not say they didn’t sign it. The opportunity to sign remains open,” he said. Speaking to reporters at the grave of BNP founder and late President Ziaur Rahman, Salahuddin also expressed hope that the NCP and other parties will sign the July Charter in the coming days. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee Member, said some parties have certain demands which they may discuss with the government and resolve. “At one stage, we believe they will also sign the July Charter. In a democracy, not everyone will agree on everything as differences of opinion can exist,” the BNP leader added. BNP backs teachers’ demands, warns against attempts to disrupt election He alleged that the “Awami fascist forces” are still trying to create chaos in various ways which was visible even yesterday (Friday) during the disorder before the signing ceremony of the July Charter. “An organisation under the banner of the July fighters had a logical demand and I personally spoke about it and gave a status (on Facebook). Later, the Vice Chairman of the Consensus Commission addressed it correctly and made changes to the Charter. So, there should be no reason for dissatisfaction after that,” Salahuddin said. He claimed that some unruly elements, posing as students, infiltrated the gathering under the name of July fighters. “I believe they were cohorts of the Awami fascist forces.” The BNP leader also said that no person or organisation involved in the July uprising could have been part of that incident. Earlier, Salahuddin, along with members of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation, paid homage to the BNP founder by placing a wreath at his grave, marking the organisation’s 26th founding anniversary. He said the nation believes the grave of martyr President Ziaur Rahman is a symbol of Bangladesh’s independence and the foundation of multi-party democracy. July Charter signing marks the beginning of a new chapter in politics, Fakhrul “We want to bring a change in the country’s political culture to strengthen independence, sovereignty, and democracy, and that process has already begun,” the BNP leader said. He stressed that continuing the practice of democratic political culture is now very important. “With the signing of the July Charter yesterday (Saturday), this new journey has started.” Through its full implementation, Salahuddin said Bangladesh will move towards building a strong democratic society and state through reforms in the state structure. “Through this, balance will be maintained in all organs of the state. People will be able to enjoy and exercise all their democratic, human, and basic rights. We have started a new journey towards this goal,” he said. The BNP leader called on all parties and citizens to move forward with patience, tolerance, and a culture of democracy. “If we do so, we will be able to build a truly strong and effective democratic state, and the sacrifices and blood of our martyrs will not go in vain.”  

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said conspiracies by both local and foreign forces are visibly afoot to obstruct Bangladesh’s democratic transition, but the country’s people are now united to foil such plots. “It is now evident that some quarters are conspiring to obstruct Bangladesh’s democratic transition. We can assume that both local and international forces are active in this regard,” he said. Talking to reporters at BNP founder Ziaur Rahman’s grave, Salahuddin said the people of Bangladesh are now united and, in the post-uprising situation, they are determined to restore democracy. “Whoever creates obstacles to the country’s democratic progress, or engages in any kind of conspiracy—whether at home or abroad—will be resisted by the people, InshAllah,” he said. The BNP leader said no one can deny that the people are now focused on elections, with potential candidates actively campaigning across the country. “The country is in the mood for elections. In this situation, if any party creates confusion or obstacles in the electoral process, the people will identify them and may politically reject them.” People will reject attempts to delay or obstruct election: Salahuddin Earlier, Salahuddin, along with leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Ulama Dal, paid homage to Ziaur Rahman by placing a wreath, marking the 46th founding anniversary of the organisation. He strongly opposed some parties’ demand for the introduction of a Proportional Representation (PR) system in the next parliamentary election. “I have spoken before about the PR system. PR means Permanent Restlessness. Experiences at home and abroad show that it creates constant instability. No stable government can be formed properly under this system. Governments are rarely formed on the basis of a majority, and parliaments often remain hung, leaving the country in uncertainty,” Salahuddin said. He mentioned that one survey claimed that 70 percent of people support PR while another showed 56 percent of people do not even understand the system. “If 56 percent of the people don’t even understand the PR system, how can 70 percent possibly want it? This is confusing.” The BNP leader said that for them, PR means Public Relations—connecting with people—and that everyone is now engaged in that kind of PR by campaigning and building unity with the people. “That is the PR we believe in. Those who want to impose proportional representation to create permanent restlessness will not succeed.” Salahuddin said BNP is a party that believes in religious values, but its politics is based on inclusiveness. “We practise politics on the foundation of Bangladeshi nationalism, bringing together all communities in this land. We have never wanted, do not want, and will never want any division in politics based on religion.” Rizvi alleges ‘deep conspiracies’ surrounding Puja celebrations Within Bangladesh, he said, they pursue inclusive politics involving people of all religions, castes, communities, languages, and cultures, and as part of this, they want to engage all citizens in a united effort to practise a healthy democratic culture. Especially in the period following the 2024 uprising, the BNP leader said they want to build a strong democratic state in line with the expectations of the people and the aspirations of the martyrs. He said that through state and democratic reforms, a strong democratic nation would be established in the future according to public expectations. Salahuddin noted that the coming national election will be a crucial test for the full restoration of democracy. “For this, all political parties and all people of Bangladesh must participate. We have struggled for years to secure our voting rights. Today, that right is close to being established. It will be fully realised the day we can exercise our votes in a fair and credible national election,” the BNP leader observed. Stating that there should be no divisions among pro-democratic forces, he urged all political parties and citizens to take part in the democratic process in a united and peaceful manner.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday questioned why Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is trying to delay the next election through various ploys, including street agitation, if it is so confident about coming to power as its leaders claim. Speaking at a youth dialogue in the capital, he also criticised Jamaat’s demand for banning Jatiya Party and members of the 14-party alliance while the party is now on the streets together with a party that contested the January 7, 2024 national election held under Sheikh Hasina’s rule. “There were a few rallies of Jamaat and other parties across the country yesterday (Friday). Some newspapers carried headlines today saying that Jamaat leaders claimed they will form the government while BNP will sit in opposition. But who decides that? Is it you, or is it the people? If you are so confident, then why don’t you join the election instead of making excuses one after another to obstruct it?” the BNP leader said. He also said BNP knows what Jamaat’s real purpose is—to derail the national election. “We will tell you (people) about it in a few days.” Arpan Alok Sangha organised the Third Dialogue on Youth’s State of Thought, titled ‘Human Value-based Education and Campuses,’ at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh. Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, also accused Jamaat of showing “double standards,” saying the people are noticing who Jamaat has joined in its simultaneous movement for various demands, including introducing a PR system and banning the 14-party alliance and Jatiya Party (JaPa). “Among the seven parties (in Jamaat’s movement alliance), one is now your ally that took part in the sham election on January 7, 2024,” he said without mentioning the party’s name. “If they become innocent just because they are with you, then what about the 28 others who took part in the dummy election with Awami League? Are they sinners? The idea that if someone joins you in the simultaneous movement their past wrongs are forgiven, but if they were with others they are sinners — this principle is not right,” Salahuddin said. In an indirect reference to Islami Andolan Bangladesh, he said this party was also a partner of Awami League as it joined previous elections, except the 2024 national one, held under Sheikh Hasina. Salahuddin said differences of opinion are part of democracy and any party can take to the streets to realise its demands by exercising democratic rights. “But we have been saying that these issues are still awaiting settlement at the negotiating table. So, are you taking to the streets to apply extra pressure? If you do, we will also have to go to the streets to counter it. Is that what we want now? We want these matters resolved at the negotiating table,” he said. Stating that Bangladesh’s democratic culture has changed a lot following last year’s mass uprising, the BNP leader said political parties should uphold it through practice. Salahuddin said political parties need to remain united on national issues, including the country’s interests, independence, sovereignty and democracy. “In democratic practice, there will be debates, differences of opinion and pluralism, but the settlement must come at the dialogue table. If both dialogue and street movement are carried out on the same issue, that is a contradiction,” he observed. The BNP leader said some parties are talking about proportional representation (PR), but it is the people who will decide that. He questioned whether some processions and rallies with a few thousand people would be enough to establish the PR system without public mandate. The BNP leader urged political parties to include their demands in their election manifestos and contest the polls. “If the people give their verdict in your favour, you can implement them. That is the democratic way.” Salahuddin said that people tend to blame the government first whenever there is a failure due to the anti-incumbency factor. He said no one can be both in the government and the opposition at the same time. “Either the door is open or it is closed—you cannot have both.” The BNP leader criticised the decision to place student leaders of the mass uprising in government positions. “They could have acted as a guiding force for the nation as a pressure group… but that role is now in question. Even now, those serving in government as student representatives face daily responsibilities and liabilities. No party or organisation can survive by being two-faced towards the people,” he opined. On implementing the July Charter, Salahuddin stressed the need for following the Supreme Court’s guidance to avoid confusion or constitutional conflict. “According to the Constitution, the decisions of the judiciary are final. Ignoring the judiciary’s verdict would create chaos. No political solution outside the court’s ruling can be sustainable.” He also warned that forcing decisions on the nation is wrong, and reforms must happen gradually to strengthen democracy and build a fair, just and equal society. Dhaka University Science Faculty Dean Professor Abdus Salam, National Citizen Party (NCP) Southern Region Chief Organiser Hasnat Abdullah, DU Chhatra Dal Joint General Secretary Abidul Islam Khan, and student leaders Tanvir Bari Hamim and Tanvir Al Hadi Mayed, also spoke at the programme highlighting the importance of youth participation and accountability in politics.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said banning any political party through an executive order would be a ‘dangerous practice’ and stressed that such matters must only be decided by courts. “We do not support banning any party or its activities by executive order. If there are allegations against any political organisation—such as genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes—these must be brought to court,” he said while talking to reporters at his Gulshan residence. Salahuddin, a BNP standing committee member, said only through a judicial process can the fate of a party be determined, and the Election Commission would then be obliged to accept the court verdict. He said the law has been amended to allow charges to be brought against a political party as an organisation, in line with constitutional provisions. “Earlier the law did not exist; now it has been amended. So, if anyone wants to bring charges against a party, they can place it before the court.” Referring to demands by Jamaat-e-Islami and some other Islamist parties to ban the Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance, Salahuddin said such calls should also be addressed through a legal process. “If their allegations are genuine, let them raise them in court. Seeking to ban political parties through any other process, by executive order, would be a dangerous practice,” he warned. Salahuddin sees security risks if polls miss February deadline The BNP leader also reminded that in the January 7, 2024 election, around 28 registered parties, including many smaller ones, participated. “If bans are sought in the name of fascism or dictatorship, then all 28 parties would need to be banned. Then with whom will the election be held?” “In this country, those who are now demanding a ban on political parties—if they later say that they too will not take part in the election, then will there be any election at all? Their purpose behind such demands may be different. Perhaps they want to gain extra advantage by calling for more parties to be banned,” he said. Salahuddin said the case of the Awami League was completely different, as the party was responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity and destroying the country’s democratic system. He alleged that charges had already been brought in court against the fascist government, including the then prime minister, ministers, MPs and their associates, for genocide, crimes against humanity and destroying democracy. “We demanded first that the Awami League, as a political party, should be brought to trial. The court will decide whether they can continue in politics or not,” Salahuddin said. On the issue of constitutional reform, he said BNP will not support any “special constitutional order” or “extra-constitutional order” that bypasses Parliament. “That would create a bad example for the future. Only the Jatiya Sangsad is the proper forum to bring in necessary constitutional amendments.” Salahuddin, however, said their party is open to any lawful and constitutional process agreed through discussions. The BNP leader also warned of a constitutional vacuum if political stability and an elected government are not ensured within the set timeframe. “That vacuum could destroy national unity, open the door to fascism, and even draw in regional or global powers. We cannot take the country in that direction.” Salahuddin warns of election challenges for lack of consensus Replaying to a question on the joint movement by Jamaat-e-Islami and some other Islamic parties demanding proportional representation and other reforms, Salahuddin made it clear that their party is deadly against PR system. “We are against PR everywhere (both the lower and upper house). If any party wants it, they should put it in their manifesto and seek a mandate from the people. If the people support it, only then can they legislate,” he said. The BNP leader also described the three-day protest programmes announced by Islamist parties as a possible attempt to derail the polls. “People have sacrificed too much for the right to vote and for democracy…. Any attempt to delay or obstruct the election for narrow political gain will be rejected by the people.”

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday congratulated the winners of Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections. “I would like to personally congratulate those who have won in the Ducsu elections, as this is the norm of democracy. Since the elections were held after many years, there were some flaws,” he said while addressing the 47th founding anniversary of Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh. Referring to media reports, Salahuddin said it has been reported that a Shibir-backed panel has won the Ducsu polls. “I want to tell my journalist friends that, to my knowledge, Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir did not take part in this Ducsu election and no panel contested under its name or banner. Then why is it being reported this way in newspapers and other media? That is the question.” The BNP leader said their student wing Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal contested the Ducsu election under its own name and banner. He said other parties, including Islami Andolon Bangladesh, also took part under their names, while some groups contested as Independent Student Unity, Integrated Student Union, Students Against Discrimination Union, Unbeaten ’71, and Undaunted ’24. He said those who chose not to contest under their own names must have had their own motives. “The panel that has won is ‘Oikyoboddho Shikkharthi Jote’. I would once again like to personally congratulate those who were victorious under that banner.” For the first time in the history of Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) elections, the Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed ‘Oikyoboddho Shikkharthi Jote’ (United Students’ Alliance) won, securing 23 out of 28 posts. Panels of Chhatra Dal and Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad did not win a single post. Shibir-backed candidate Shadik Kayem was elected VP with 14,042 votes, while his nearest rival, Chhatra Dal’s Abidul Islam Khan, polled 5,708 votes. Salahuddin said the biggest movement since the 2024 mass uprising has been the struggle to change Bangladesh’s political culture in its new journey.  He stressed that this struggle must continue so that a new political culture can be established. “What is that culture? A democratic culture, a culture of tolerance, a culture of empathy. Through tolerance and empathy, we will engage in political competition and practise politics,” he said. He warned that if the nation does not want the return of fascism, the rise of individual or party-based authoritarianism, parliamentary autocracy, or a one-party state, then political parties must uphold, practise, and nurture a new democratic culture. “It is only through practising democratic political culture that we can remove the fascist, undemocratic, and corrupt political bad culture of the past. Through good practices, we can overcome destructive politics — and that is the political path we must follow,” Salahuddin said. Conspirators active to resist polls, destroy communal harmony: Salahuddin He said while there will always be competition and rivalry in politics, it must end with mutual respect. “At the end of the day, through democratic processes, we will congratulate one another — that should be our guiding principle.” Salahuddin also said student union elections like Ducsu and others have always influenced national politics. Recalling his own student days in the late 1970s and 1980s, the BNP leader said he had seen many leaders rise through these platforms, some reaching Parliament while others faded away. He said Bangladesh’s major political and social changes had come through student politics, and universities must remain centres of political practice as national leadership grows from there. “Those who are against student politics or call for its abolition — I stand against them. Because the practice of politics is part of education; the university is its classroom. From there, leadership for national politics emerges through continuous development,” the BNP leader said. Salahuddin said political learning should begin with student politics, but not the kind of politics seen during fascist regimes. He called for a politics based on accountability, good governance, equality, morality and human dignity, urging all to struggle for such a political culture and state system. The BNP leader also advised Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal to strengthen their organisational capacity and activities at the grassroots ahead of the national election.