BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has raised questions about how a foreign national was appointed as Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser.
Salahuddin Ahmed made these remarks on Saturday while delivering the keynote speech at a youth rally organized by the Jubo Dal, Swechhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal at the Circuit House ground in Khulna.
He said: “You (Dr Yunus) have made a foreign citizen the national security adviser. How will our armed forces report to a foreign national? He will work for his own country, not for Bangladesh.”
“Bangladesh is being turned into a war zone under the guise of a humanitarian corridor. With whom did you consult before making this decision?” he asked.
He added: “I urge Dr Yunus to dismiss the national security adviser. He is planning to destabilize Bangladesh, but we will not allow that.”
He further added: “We do not know what agreements you made abroad. Who gave you the mandate to hand over our rivers, ports, and corridors to foreigners? Your only job is to organize a free and fair election. Do that, and then leave with honour.”
Demanding the resignation of the two student representatives in the interim government, he said: “Many call Dr Yunus’s government an NCP government because two NCP representatives are part of it. If you want to remain neutral, ask them to resign. If they don’t resign, remove them.”
Mentioning that people want their lost voting rights restored, Salahuddin said: “None of you have been able to vote in recent elections. Forty million youths have yet to taste democracy.”
He added: “We have witnessed an unprecedented mass uprising. We must fulfill the dreams soaked in the blood of martyrs. We must build a Bangladesh where no one’s blood will be shed again for democracy, voting, or justice, and where there will be no discrimination.”
Calling on the government to hold elections quickly, he said: “Election reforms must be completed, and elections must be held by December. Many advisers aspire to remain in power forever. You are not omnipotent.”
He warned that if it takes a long march to the Jamuna for elections, it would bring misfortune to the nation, saying: “Do you want us to march to the Jamuna? If that happens, it will be unfortunate for the nation. I warn Dr Yunus to organize elections quickly.”
Referring to ongoing reforms and justice processes, he said: “Reforms and justice are ongoing and will continue. Do not destroy Bangladesh’s democracy. Remove the fascist agents in your advisory council and foreign state agents quickly. Otherwise, you will not be able to leave with honour.”
Criticizing the Awami League, he said: “We must know our history, embracing both past and present. This country once experienced a reign of political killings. The world-famous dictatorship brutally oppressed us, even killing people with helicopter gunfire.”
He added: “But they have never apologized for genocide. Even now, they sit in Delhi threatening us. The Awami League has died on Dhaka’s soil but has been buried in Delhi.”
Earlier at 3pm, the youth rally started with the national anthem and party songs. The event was chaired by Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib, with Swechhasebak Dal General Secretary Rajib Ahsan and Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir as hosts.
Other speakers included Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna, Swechhasebak Dal President SM Jilani, Jubo Dal General Secretary Mohammad Nurul Islam Noyon, along with various national and local leaders.
