BNP to move ahead with proper planning, not emotion: Salahuddin
People have accepted the party's 31-point outline as a "Charter for National Liberation," he said
The party intends to move forward with a sound and realistic political plan, rather than emotion, in the lead-up to the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said.
He said, "The successful declaration of the permanent journey of democracy has occurred through the scheduled announcement. What is needed now is well-planned politics and an organised role."
Salahuddin made the remarks today (12 December) at the inauguration ceremony on the sixth day of the BNP's 7-day programme titled 'Plan for Nation Building' at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) Convention Hall in the city.
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The senior BNP leader said the July Uprising was not a sudden outburst but the culmination of a prolonged democratic movement from 2009 to 2024.
"We had to shed much blood; countless sacrifices were made. We snatched the victory of democracy by stepping over this pedestal of blood," he added.
He further said the people have accepted the party's 31-point outline as a 'Charter for National Liberation.'
"The 31-point outline, formulated together with the allies of the simultaneous movement, has now found its place in the democratic epic of Bangladesh," he said.
Salahuddin said that, at one time, attempts were made to use the political manipulation of religion and the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War as a tool to serve partisan interests in the country.
"Those who sought to survive by politicising the spirit of 1971 are now completely unsuccessful," he asserted.
Citing a White Paper, the BNP Standing Committee member said that approximately 29.25 lakh crore Taka was laundered during the Awami League government's tenure.
"Awami League created a grave for the country. They also constitutionally buried democracy," he said.
He further added, "Democracy will be wounded if we forget the incidents of past disappearances, killings, torture, and human rights violations. Let us not forget those who shot student-masses from helicopters, and committed enforced disappearances, murders, and corruption."
Salahuddin said people across the country are now highly aware, signalling the end of political manoeuvring through the incitement of religious sentiment.
"One cannot ask for votes by selling the pill of religion," he said.
He went on saying that in the past, people with beards and skullcaps (religious attire) were tortured after being labelled as militants.
However, he promised that if the BNP comes to power, no citizen will be unlawfully arrested.
Regarding the election schedule, the BNP leader said that although many felt heavy-hearted at its announcement, there was no alternative but to accept it.
He claimed that those attempting to portray Proportional Representation (PR) or a referendum as obstacles to the election process are anti-democratic
