BNP Standing Committee member Salauddin Ahmed has said that the Awami League now seeks to unite with BNP to "save democracy."
He said that this is impossible, adding that democracy does not align with the Awami League.
The BNP leader further remarked that the Awami League has always been against democracy. Those involved in war crimes, even if they fled, will be brought back to the country for justice.
"As long as a political government is not established in the country, the democratic struggle will continue unabated."
He made these remarks as the chief guest at the rally organized by Sylhet District and City BNP on Thursday to mark the historic National Revolution and Solidarity Day.
The rally took place at the registrar's field in the city, where the meeting was presided over by Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury, president of Sylhet District BNP. Sylhet District BNP's General Secretary Advocate Imran Ahmed Chowdhury and Sylhet City BNP's General Secretary Imdad Hossain Chowdhury jointly conducted the program, with Sylhet City BNP's acting president and former panel mayor, Rezaul Hasan Koyes Lodi, delivering the welcome address at the start.
Special guest speakers at the rally included BNP Chairperson's Advisor Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, and JK Goush, National Executive Committee Organizing Secretary of BNP.
Other special guests included BNP Chairperson’s Advisor Dr Enamul Haque Chowdhury, BNP National Executive Committee Assistant Organizing Secretary Miftah Siddiquee, BNP Central Executive Committee's Secretary for Small Loans and Cottage Industries, and freedom fighter Abdur Razzaq, BNP Executive Committee Member Abul Kaheer Chowdhury Shamim, Advocate Hadiyah Chowdhury Munni, Dean of Sylhet Medical University and president of Sylhet District DAB Dr. Nazmul Islam, and Sylhet District Bar's PP Advocate Ashik Uddin.
The chief guest continued by mentioning that the martyr President Ziaur Rahman declared independence on March 26, 1971, and fought in the war for the country's freedom. In 1975, he once again took charge of the country for the nation's welfare.
He added: “If it hadn't been for the leadership of Tarique Rahman during the July and August people's uprisings, perhaps the independence we gained would not have been possible.
Therefore, Bangladesh, Shaheed Zia, Khaleda Zia, and Tarique Rahman are all interconnected.
He emphasized that the struggle for freedom was never to turn the country into a vassal state, stating that an unprotected independence is equal to subjugation.
He further said that the Awami League government has killed people by shooting from helicopters, and therefore it has no right to engage in fascist politics in this country.
After the rally, a colorful procession was held, which paraded the main streets of the city and ended at the Shaheed Minar. In the procession, many BNP leaders and activists carried placards with the images of BNP founder, martyr President Ziaur Rahman, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.
Meanwhile, to join the Revolution and Solidarity Day rally, BNP leaders and activists, along with allied organizations, began gathering at the Registrar's Field from noon, arriving in groups with slogans and processions.
