Shamsuzzaman Dudu, vice chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has said that the Tarique Rahman, the acting chairperson of the party, is the sole mastermind that led to the student-led movement in July that toppled the Awami League regime.
He said: "The sole mastermind behind this movement is Tarique Rahman. He has done everything necessary to build an effective movement. If someone needs this explained to them, then there's a bit of a problem. Sheikh Hasina has been trying to wipe out the BNP for 16 years, but Tarique Rahman, with his wisdom, has saved the BNP."
He made the statement during a symbolic protest meeting organized by the Bangladesh Citizens' Rights Movement in front of the National Press Club on Saturday.
Dudu said: “Nothing happens in just one month. It takes nine months to give birth to a child. If a child is born in one month, it is stillborn.”
“For 16 years, the people of this country have shed blood. For 16 years, students, workers, and farmers have been disappeared or missing. For 16 years, people have been imprisoned. If you consider the movement of one month, that’s not right,” he said.
He also called for the formation of an acceptable and neutral Election Commission and the announcement of an electoral roadmap.
Shamsuzzaman added: “The sooner an election is held, the sooner democracy can be restored. The sooner an election is held, the sooner an elected government can prove its suitability to govern the country. This is what we must keep in mind.”
He said: “I urge the government to take this direction, because this government is our government. If this government fails, the independence and democracy of Bangladesh will be in jeopardy. That’s why I’m calling for an election decision as soon as possible.”
He also mentioned: “Daily essential prices have skyrocketed. The cost of living has increased so much that people are in distress. No one expected this situation after the new government came to power. They expected prices to go down.
“The reforms that this government will undertake will be approved by the next government when it comes to parliament,” he added.
