President of the Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Janata League Bangabir Kader Siddique has said that the Awami League of Maulana Bhasani and Bangabandhu, which was the party of the poor and brought independence to Bangladesh, is not the same as Sheikh Hasina's Awami League.
Kader Siddique said this in response to a question from journalists at the mausoleum complex of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Tungipara, Gopalganj, on Friday afternoon.
Kader Siddique said: "I protested against the assassination of Bangabandhu. At that time, everyone was hiding like rats. Those from whom I expected to receive respect for protesting against Bangabandhu's assassination did not show me any respect.
“In fact, I was disrespected by them. However, I received a lot of respect from ordinary people," he added.
He said: "Today, I must say one thing. I wholeheartedly support and believe in the success of the anti-discrimination student movement. I also thank the people of Tungipara for protecting Bangabandhu's grave with dignity, even in this difficult time. We achieved independence under Bangabandhu's leadership.
“It is not possible to lead in Bangladesh by denying Bangabandhu. We must proceed by acknowledging and respecting Bangabandhu, giving him the honor he deserves," he added.
Kader Siddique also said: "The values with which we achieved independence for Bangladesh are no longer present. It was through Bangabandhu that I learned to love my country. Many speak of patriotism, but patriotism is not something easy. It requires overcoming many challenges. Storms and hurricanes come and go, but no darkness is permanent.
“No disaster is everlasting. The sky will clear again. Today, at Bangabandhu's mausoleum, someone asked me how long I will remain with Sheikh Hasina. I can say that I will stay with her as long as she remains aligned with Bangabandhu's ideals," he added.
Earlier, at around 12:45pm, Kader Siddique, accompanied by his elder brother and former minister Abdul Latif Siddique and central leaders of the party, visited Bangabandhu's grave. During this time, they offered prayers and participated in a dua.
