Hasina's cohorts spreading rumours to create chaos: BNP

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan today (10 October) alleged that the associates of deposed "autocratic" ruler Sheikh Hasina are attempting to create chaos in the country by spreading various rumours.

"The conspirators have not ceased their activities. Just because Sheikh Hasina has fled, do not assume that all the cohorts of the autocrat and fascist have disappeared... they are still present. Various attempts are being made to spread rumours and create confusion," he said while speaking at a discussion meeting.

At the programme, he urged the pro-democratic parties and politicians to remain vigilant and not to be misled by any kind of rumours or confusion. 

"We must stay alert," he said.

Nazrul, a BNP standing committee member, said everyone must remember that the ousted Awami League is still backed by various forces and powers at home and abroad. 

"They amassed huge wealth and money during their time in power and may attempt to create chaos among us. We must not allow this to happen again," he warned.

He emphasised that it is essential to remember that the nation owes a debt to the blood and memories of all those who embraced martyrdom or fell victim to enforced disappearance for the cause of democracy, including Shaheed Jihad.

"Those of us who are alive have a responsibility to honour the memory of the martyrs and to achieve the goals for which they sacrificed their lives. We must overcome any obstacles in our path to achieving this and it should be done in unity with the people through the democratic process," the BNP leader observed.

A group of student leaders from the 90s and the Jihad Smriti Parishad organised the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, to mark the 34th death anniversary of Nazir Uddin Ahmed Jihad.

Jihad, an activist of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) from Ullapara Upazila in Sirajganj, was shot dead in Dhaka on October 10, 1990, during the anti-Ershad movement.

Nazrul warned everyone to remain vigilant against those attempting to create division among the democratic forces. 

"There are some individuals whom we may be mistakenly identifying as our allies...It seems they are on our side. However, these people raise slogans and speak in ways that create disunity among us, leading to division within the forces that have fought against authoritarianism and fascism," he said.

He added that there are some parties and individuals who, aware that they have no chance of succeeding in a credible election, are making sinister efforts to undermine the BNP, tarnish its popularity, and defame it through various conspiracies.

Without mentioning any specific party or coalition, Nazrul said, "I urge everyone to remember that we are not enemies of each other. Let's be competitors instead. The people are aware of your past, just as they are aware of mine. In the coming days, when a fair election is held, the people will decide whom they trust to lead the government for their welfare."

Stating that the Durga Puja festival of the Hindu community is being celebrated in the country, he said it is the responsibility of the democratic forces to ensure that no disturbances occur during this time.

"There are individuals who may conspire to create chaos and tarnish the reputation of our country. They will also attempt to undermine this government or those who brought it to power. We must remain cautious to prevent this," he said.