AL must face consequences of its misdeeds: BNP leader Dr Zahid

BNP standing committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain has said Awami League must face the consequences of its misdeeds during its rule, particularly in the 2024 July Uprising.

"The consensus that united students and citizens in the movement must be preserved, and the Awami League must face the consequences of its misdeeds," said Dr Zahid at a discussion on the participation of remittance warriors in the next elections at the National Press Club today (9 May).

Dr Zahid called on the interim government to immediately announce a roadmap for the upcoming general election, asserting that people are eager to exercise their right to vote. 

"Voting rights have been denied for the past 17 years," he said.

He stressed the importance of unity forged during the July Uprising and highlighted the struggles of nearly 10 million Bangladeshi expatriates. 

He demanded the restoration of their voting rights and protection of their assets.

Zahid praised the contributions of remittance earners and noted that late President Ziaur Rahman was the first to formally recognize their contributions.

"Ziaur Rahman should be remembered not only as a freedom fighter but also as a lifelong contributor to national development," he said.

He also paid tribute to students who lost their lives during the July Uprising, acknowledging their sacrifice as key to the current democratic discourse.

MA Malik, President of UK BNP and advisor to the party chairperson, said that the former Hasina-led government had unlawfully seized expatriates' homes, particularly in Sylhet. 

He urged the interim government to ensure protection of expatriate property and voting rights.

The discussion was chaired by Jahangir Alam Mintu, coordinator of Probashi Poribar 24.

UK BNP Vice President M Zakaria, Mahmudullah Mamun, Barrister Obaidur Rahman Tipu, and Advocate Parvez, among others, spoke at the event.