BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo has said the achievements of the July uprising were not the result of any individual’s efforts but the collective action of the people.
The BNP leader made the remark as the chief guest at a discussion and prayer session organized in Barisal on Sunday afternoon, marking the 89th birth anniversary of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman.
He added that BNP leaders and activists fought for 16 years against the fascist government of Sheikh Hasina, suffering from abductions, killings, and imprisonment in their struggle for democracy and the restoration of voting rights.
Mintoo said: "Thousands of leaders and activists were not able to sleep in their homes for years. Even after such sacrifices by BNP members, if anyone thinks that a fascist Hasina government was toppled in just a month and a half of protest, they are in a fool’s paradise.”
He continued: “The achievements of the July uprising are not the result of any individual’s efforts. The entire nation united to overthrow the fascist government.”
“To preserve this achievement, we must remain united. Everyone should work sincerely in building a new Bangladesh. There is no alternative to free, fair, and acceptable elections for the advancement of democracy.”
He praised Ziaur Rahman as the founder of multi-party democracy in the country, saying: “He restored freedom of speech. Every time democracy was seized in the country, the party founded by the late president Ziaur Rahman, BNP, has fought to restore it.”
“He gave his life in the struggle for people’s rights, enduring imprisonment, torture, and ultimate sacrifice. There is only one leader in our party—Ziaur Rahman. His successors are continuing to serve the country,” Mintoo added.
The discussion was followed by prayers for the salvation of the soul of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.
