Mayor of Chittagong City Corporation (CCC), Dr Shahadat Hossain, on Saturday urged all citizens to unite in the effort to restore democracy by setting aside differences and supporting the BNP in the upcoming national elections.
He made the call while addressing an Eid reunion event following Eid-ul-Azha at the Samarnika Community Centre on Love Lane in the city.
Dr Shahadat mentioned that a productive meeting took place on Friday between BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and the Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus.
Following this, a clear political message was conveyed: a participatory national election is scheduled for February 2026.
He said the path toward establishing a democratic government based on national unity under the leadership of Tarique Rahman has now been illuminated.
He stressed the importance of collaboration from all corners of society to bring the country back onto the democratic track, urging support for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the upcoming polls.
Dr Shahadat emphasized that despite enduring legal cases, attacks, and persecution over the past 16 years, thousands of BNP leaders and activists have remained steadfast in the democratic movement.
"None of them have defected to the Awami League. These selfless leaders and activists will emerge as the future leadership of the party," he said.
He cautioned against those who joined the party after August 5 and are allegedly creating confusion. "If there is evidence of their past affiliation with the Awami League, they must be removed from their positions. To strengthen the BNP, we must recognize and empower our grassroots leaders and activists," he said.
He also urged that any evidence of oppressive actions by the "fascist" Awami League against individuals should be reported to the party’s central and metropolitan offices.