Conspirators hiding to destroy democracy, alleges BNP leader Zahid

Those who are conspiring against the restoration of democracy are secretly continuing their evil activities, BNP Standing Committee member AZM Zahid Hossain alleged today (18 July).

Speaking at a protest rally in front of the National Press Club, the BNP leader urged everyone to remain vigilant against conspiracies.

Zahid said, "Those within us who want to destroy democracy are quietly lurking. It is now our responsibility to expose their true character. After the Mitford incident, the BNP and its affiliated organisations acted promptly and demanded exemplary punishment."

"Still, false allegations are being made against our leader Tarique Rahman. Don't you realise what you're doing? Why are you playing with fire? Why are you trying to ruin the country's political culture by acting as puppets of others? Everyone must stay alert and have patience. We must not fall into the trap of these conspirators," he said.

Criticising those who oppose BNP's movement, he said, "Come to the field of politics. BNP and its like-minded parties have launched joint programs. What program do you have? There's no trace of any initiatives from your side. Yet you keep talking about proportional representation, or demand local government elections."

"The fight for democracy is about national elections, not local ones. And the PR system has never been practiced in Bangladesh — not in the past 54 years, and it won't be practiced in the next 154 years either. So why bring these issues up now? Clearly, the aim is to create division and delay the return of democracy, possibly for your own benefit," Zahid added.

Zahid warned that everyone should remember that if anyone tries to keep the people powerless for too long, the public will rise up. "And when that happens, those responsible will be burned to ashes in the fire of people's anger."

He urged everyone to remain patient and united, just like they once resisted autocracy and forced it to flee. "In the same way, this fight to restore democracy will lead to elections in February. The conspirators will not succeed under any circumstances."

Commenting on the National Citizen Party's (NCP) recent programme in Gopalganj, Zahid further said, "Whether you call it a March to Gopalganj or a long march, I'd say the government and law enforcement agencies have miserably failed there. Such incidents can only happen if there's a conspiracy involved."

Following the rally, a silent procession marched from Kadam Fountain and concluded back at the National Press Club.