Krishak Sramik Janata League President Bangabir Kader Siddique called the recent US visa policy a matter of great shame for Bangladesh, “regardless of how the two parties perceive it”.
“It is a disgrace to the entire country. Normally, the country issuing the visa grants it according to its own discretion; this is the norm. However, this provision imposes conditions on Bangladesh, implying that certain actions will lead to certain consequences. It is a disgrace for us,” he said, while addressing a triennial conference of the Gazipur District Farmers Workers Janata League on Friday morning.
He went on to emphasize that the implications of the US visa policy were not being given enough consideration.
He criticized the Awami League, stating that their actions were not just detrimental to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), but to the nation as a whole, its people, and its dignity.
Because of their actions, the Awami League's candidate, Md Azmat Ullah Khan, lost in the Gazipur city elections, said Kader Siddique.
Stating that few could have predicted this outcome, the KSJL president said Awami League does not need an opposing party to face a significant setback; they are capable of self-sabotage.
“The BNP is not too far off in this respect either,” he added.
“The defeat of Azmat was seen as necessary by many,” Kader Siddique said adding that even Awami League supporters were fervently praying for this outcome and their prayers were answered.
However, the next five years are expected to bring various challenges for Gazipur city as it now has an unconventional leadership structure, said Kader Siddique.
“Typically, a single individual occupies a position of authority and leadership. However, in Gazipur, Jahangir and his mother will share equal authority and leadership in managing Gazipur City Corporation. This arrangement is unconventional and may lead to complications, the consequences of which are expected to become apparent within the year,” he added.
The Krishak Sramik Janata League (KSJL) president further said: “We fought for liberation to claim the rights of Bangalis and humanity; however, today, those people have no rights. We have handed the country to some 2.2 million wealthy individuals. Now, nothing could be done.”
Kader Siddique emphasized that organization is the primary tool for any struggle, with no other alternative weapon being as effective.
“Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani was a leader much greater than Bangabandhu. However, as he did not have a solid organization, he could not lead the nation or contribute significantly to the country's independence,” he said.
At the end, Kader Siddique called upon his party leaders to be united and strengthen the Krishak Sramik Janata League.