BNP cooperating with govt to restore normalcy in country: Amir Khosru

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury today (22 January) said BNP is cooperating with the government to restore normalcy in the country as soon as possible.

"We're cooperating with the government so that the country can return to normalcy as soon as possible," he said while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion meeting at the National Press Club.

Leaders of the United States BNP organised the discussion and views exchange meeting titled "Role of the Overseas BNP in Democratization and Development of Bangladesh".

Amir Khosru noted there is no alternative of it, saying doubts and different ideas will be generated in the minds of the people if any other political process is initiated, and that will be undemocratic.

Mentioning that the welfare of the country and the expatriate will be taken into consideration down the line, he said, "We have announced 31-point before the fall of Sheikh Hasina and 'Vision-2030' seven years ago. We're committed to the nation to implement this."

With former US BNP President Abdul Latif Samrat in the chair, BNP Executive Committee member and former Senior Vice President of US BNP Gias Ahmed conducted the meeting.

National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, BNP Executive Committee members Abdul Latif Joni, Mohiuddin Ahmed Jhintu, Florida BNP President and International Affairs Secretary of Muktijoddha Dal Central Commitee Imranul Haque Chakladar, New York State BNP President Oliullah Atiqur Rahman, General Secretary Saidur Rahman Sayeed, former President of US Jubo Dal Kamruzzaman Babu, Councilor Suraiya, Australia Swechhasebak Dal President Musleh Uddin Hawladar Arif, Canada Mohila Dal President Nazma Haque, and Canada North BNP President Toufiq Ejaz, among others, also spoke.

Mentioning that the success of the July-August movement means the success of 180 million people in the country, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said everyone has contributed to the movement from their respective positions, and the expatriates also have an equal contribution.

He pointed out that many people say that expatriates have protested from a safe zone but "we know how their families and relatives have been persecuted in Bangladesh".

He said it is not so easy to protest in abroad like in Bangladesh and not so easy to gather in front of the State Department or the World Bank.

Nevertheless, thousands of BNP leaders and activities protested on the streets, he said, adding, "We extend gratitude to them. We will keep an eye on what needs to be done for the welfare of the country and expatriates, InshaAllah."

The BNP Standing Committee member said expatriates fought against the fascist government in Bangladesh in two ways such as by sending remittances and by stopping remittances. They've made a commitment to the country, and the nation has received the results, he added.

He also suggested making a documentary about the contribution of expatriates behind the fall of Sheikh Hasina.

Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said that Tarique Rahman gave the drive from behind to the movement and Begum Khaleda Zia also gave the drive.

She (Khaleda Zia) herself served in jail and the entire movement was driven by BNP, which should be on record, he added.

Regarding the demands of the expatriates, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said, "Your patriotism and love shouldn't be ended. The movement is not over yet. You must be evaluated."

Highlighting that the autocratic government (Awami League) had taken ownership of the country into its own hands, he said the country is on the edge of a ditch today. "Therefore, fair elections are required to return the ownership of the country to the people. There must be accountability to the people," he added.

Terming "reform" as an ongoing process, the BNP Standing Committee member said, "This crisis in the country is due to the lack of continuity of the democratic process. If you want to make some special reforms, take the mandate of the people."

He continued, "The future of Bangladesh can't be determined by just 5/10 people sitting together. That will not be acceptable. So, we have to go to the people."

National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz said, "The expatriates are more patriotic than us. We want to see something new from the government. But, the government is not taking any steps. The fight is not over."

He called for taking measures to hold elections as soon as possible.