BNP to join election as part of democratic movement: Nazrul Islam
Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader also said their party has to play the main role in upholding the victory of last year’s mass uprising, as more BNP leaders and activists were killed, jailed and oppressed than those of any other party.
BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Thursday (November 27) said their party is going to participate in the upcoming national election as part of its movement to restore democracy in the country.
"We must remember that there will be many attempts to divert our movement and the victory achieved through it in different directions. We have to face those evil attempts," he said.
Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader also said their party has to play the main role in upholding the victory of last year's mass uprising, as more BNP leaders and activists were killed, jailed and oppressed than those of any other party.
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"So, keeping them in mind and honouring their memories, we have to deliver the results of this movement to the people. With that goal, we must continue our struggle. The upcoming election is also part of that movement. Democracy cannot be restored without elections," he said.
Nazrul, a BNP Standing Committee member, said a free and fair election must be held in February next year for the sake of democracy and to establish it properly.
He said that if their party wins the election and gets the responsibility of running the country, they will take all necessary steps for public welfare by using their previous experience.
"We all know every candidate claims to be the best. But think about it: if an AC or any device breaks, you don't let just anyone fix it. You look for someone who understands the machine and has experience. A country's state machinery is far more complex and valuable than any device. So the people who want to run the state must have the ability and experience to do so," the BNP leader said.
He said BNP is the only party with long and proven experience in running the country.
Nazrul said they will present themselves to people with that capability and that if they are given responsibility again, they will use their experience, including lessons learned from past mistakes, to serve people better.
He said these points are relevant to the discussion about Shaheed Milon because he also struggled and sacrificed his life for democracy.
"Dr Milon's struggle was for a new state system built through democracy--a system where people can live without discrimination, live safely, get justice easily, and enjoy a better life. I believe we must work in the coming days to achieve this long-desired goal," he said.
Former student leaders of Dhaka University Central Students Union (DUCSU) and All-Party Students Unity (APSU) of the 90s organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking Shaheed Dr Milon Day and the 35th martyrdom anniversary of Dr Shamsul Alam Khan Milon, who was killed during the 1990s' anti-autocratic movement.
A munajat was offered at the programme seeking divine blessings for the speedy recovery of ailing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital since Sunday for infections in her lungs and heart.
Speaking at the programme, BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council member Amanullah Aman said there is no alternative to elections for restoring democracy in the country.
He said many plots are hatched to create obstacles to the election, but no one will be able to stop it, and the election will be held in February next year.
The BNP leader said that if voted to power, their party will form a national government with representatives from those who took part in the simultaneous movement against the fascist Sheikh Hasina regime.
Aman urged all pro-democratic forces to stay united to prevent the return of fascist forces.
