'Religion tablet being sold to fool people': BNP's Salahuddin slams political parties for lacking policy, ideology
The senior BNP leader also heavily criticised the political system established by the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina
BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has criticised some parties whom he termed "peddlers of religion," accusing them of deceiving the public by promoting political support solely through the promise of eternal salvation while offering no solutions for earthly life.
Speaking at a discussion titled "Plan to Build Bangladesh" at the Krishibid Institute Auditorium in the Khamarbari area of Dhaka today (8 December), Salahuddin remarked, "They are only saying that if you vote for this symbol, you will go straight to Jannat (paradise). But they have no statement on how [people] will survive in this world."
BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to address the concluding session in the afternoon.
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In a veiled reference to the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, he added that political groups without any concrete policy, ideology, or plan are merely deceiving the people in the name of religion and defrauding the public. "People have recognised them… Their masks have been exposed," he stated.
Salahuddin questioned those seeking effortless entry into heaven, asking mockingly, "Where is their bus station?"
The senior BNP leader heavily criticised the political system established by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, stating that "Mujib's daughter established a one-party rule," labelling the then system as "democracy in disguise, but in essence, Baksal."
He condemned the abolition of the caretaker government system and categorised the elections in 2014, 2018, and 2024 as "a heinous one-party, fascist system in the history of the world's undemocratic rule."
Salahuddin emphasised that the BNP's objective is not merely to sell a "religious tablet," but to work for the welfare and economic liberation of the people.
"We are seeking the support and votes of the people. We must deliver what the people want from us," he stressed.
He called upon student leaders and activists of the Chhatra Dal to communicate the BNP's future plans in simple language to the common people.
The BNP Standing Committee member credited the party founder, Ziaur Rahman, for declaring independence and later restoring democracy in 1975.
He further highlighted the former president's contributions, including the abolition of the fourth constitutional amendment and the introduction of multi-party democracy through the fifth amendment in 1979.
He concluded by recalling the contributions of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, including the victory in the anti-autocracy movement in 1990, the introduction of the parliamentary system in 1991, and the establishment of the caretaker government system in 1996 based on public demand, all as key elements of the BNP's legacy in strengthening democratic institutions.
