People will reject politics of foreign dependence: Amir Khasru
"The people of Bangladesh would firmly reject any politics built on reliance on foreign powers," said BNP Standing Committee member and Chattogram-11 (Port-Patenga) constituency candidate Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury today (27 January).
He made the remarks while speaking to journalists during a door-to-door campaign in the North Nalapara area of the port city this afternoon. As part of the campaign, Amir Khasru visited Purba Madarbari, North and South Nalapara, Malum Mosque Lane and the Darogahat area, exchanging greetings with voters and seeking support for the party's electoral symbol, the sheaf of paddy.
Responding to a recent comment by a Jamaat-e-Islami leader claiming that the United States wants Jamaat in state power, Amir Khasru said Bangladeshis are a freedom-loving people who take pride in their independence.
"If anyone wants to do politics by placing their trust in foreigners, do you think they will have a place in this country?" he said. "The people will reject them decisively. Look at the fate of those who previously depended on foreigners for politics."
Without naming any party, he said such forces lack confidence in the people, and the people also do not trust them. "That is why they want to rely on other countries. Has that ever worked? Politics dependent on foreign powers will be rejected by the people," he added.
Referring to the large turnout at BNP's recent election rally at the Polo Ground, Amir Khasru said gatherings of that scale have been rare in Chattogram's history, with the only comparable rally being one led earlier by BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia at the same venue.
"The rally ahead of Tarique Rahman's address has energised BNP leaders and activists in Chattogram," he said, adding that it also sent a nationwide message that people in the port city have placed their trust in BNP and in Tarique Rahman.
He said the massive attendance reflected public acceptance of Tarique Rahman's plans for the country. "In the cold morning, and on a government working day, such a turnout is historic. This is only possible when people's trust has been earned," he said.
Amir Khasru claimed that in every critical moment in the country's history, people have placed their trust in the BNP for fulfilling national aspirations, achieving freedom and breaking away from authoritarian rule.
"No one can do this at will," he said. "To gain people's trust and support, one must go to them and present a clear plan for the country."
He reiterated BNP's commitments, saying that if the party comes to power, it will establish good governance, curb corruption, address unemployment and ensure people's fundamental rights.
"Our goal is clear. We want to be servants of the people, not their masters," he said, calling on voters to support the BNP by voting for the sheaf of paddy symbol to help build a developed, prosperous and democratic Bangladesh.
Joint conveners of the city BNP SM Saiful Alam, Shawkat Azam Khaza, Monowara Begum Moni, along with party leaders Mohammad Salauddin, Mashiul Alam Swapan, Kawsar Hossain Babu, Azizul Islam Badal and Taslim Uddin were present during the campaign.
