[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

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G Bangladesh Defense Forum

Reforms vs elections debate a fallacious argument: Tarique
Staff Correspondent 02 January, 2025, 00:02

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Tarique Rahman | AFP file photo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday dismissed the debate over which one among reforms and elections should precede, terming it a fallacious argument.

He said that both the reforms and elections were essential to bring qualitative changes to the state and its politics.

‘Reform is an inevitable and continuous process to ensure the existing system remains relevant to the times. Elections, however, are the most crucial and effective means of sustaining and institutionalising democracy,’ Tarique Rahman said while virtually addressing the 46th anniversary of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, the student wing of BNP, held at Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh auditorium in Dhaka city.

He said that elections provide people with the opportunity to exercise their right to vote, which ensures the distribution of political power between the state and its citizens.

The mafia government had fallen and fled due to the limitless sacrifice of thousands of students, he further said.

‘We must be cautious not to let any rigid decisions undermine the momentum or desire for a mass uprising,’ he warned.

Tarique said that without ensuring the political and economic empowerment of people, democracy, human rights and reforms cannot be sustainable.

If the interim government failed to determine its priorities in reform initiatives, conspirators could seize the opportunity to undermine the spirit of the July uprising, he warned.

Criticising the current government, Tarique also said that despite being in power for five months, the interim government had failed to dismantle the syndicates in the commodity market and bring essential goods within the reach of people.

‘If the daily plights of people are overlooked in the name of reforms, they will eventually be compelled to speak out,’ he said.

Saying that as a democratic norm, new political parties emerge out of a country’s necessity, Tarique said that his party welcomed all democratic initiatives.

People would decide through elections which party they would accept and which one they would reject, he observed.

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir iterated the party’s demand for immediate elections after completing minimum election centric reforms.

‘We have ousted a fascist regime and established an interim government, but unfortunately, a new plot is now cast to keep the popular political party away from the people,’ he alleged.

The BNP secretary general warned that the people would not accept actions that undermined democracy on the pretext of reforms.

Addressing party leaders and activists, acting chairman Tarique emphasised the importance of rising above greed and self-interest, highlighting the vital role of students and youth in creating a safe and self-reliant Bangladesh for future generations.

He said that building a knowledge-based society and state was imperative to achieve an effective presence of Bangladesh on the international stage, while at the same time ensuring dignity for its people.​
 

Fakhrul calls for poll soon to beat current crisis
BSS

Published :
Jan 01, 2025 21:53
Updated :
Jan 01, 2025 21:53

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Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said national election is very much crucial as soon as possible to overcome the present crisis.

“Holding the elections as early as possible is the only solution to overcome the current crisis,” he said while addressing a discussion in Dhaka city on Wednesday.

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) organised the discussion marking its 46th founding anniversary at Engineers Institution in the city.

Acting Chairman of BNP Tarique Rahman addressed the discussion virtually from London as the chief guest while JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib was in the chair.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam called for early election through completing the reforms which are necessary for holding a fair election.

Urging all to remain careful about the conspiracy against BNP, Mirza Fakhrul said there were many attempts in the past to split the party, but they could not succeed.

He ruled out the allegation that BNP is against the reform, saying “they have forgotten the history of BNP which has already launched campaign across the country with a 31-point reform agenda.”

Fakhrul Islm said BNP was born under a democratic reform process initiated by martyred President Ziaur Rahman introducing the multiparty democracy in the country.

“We believe that reform is an ongoing process. We cannot allow anything to happen in the name of reform that will disrupt our democracy,” he said​
 

Jamaat’s statement on patriotism ‘ridiculous’
Says Rizvi

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Photo: Courtesy of BNP

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi yesterday made an oblique reference to a recent statement by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on patriotism and termed it "ridiculous."

On December 23, speaking at an event in Rangpur, Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said there were only two tested patriotic forces in the country -- one is the army, the other is Jamaat-e-Islami.

Rizvi said the army is undoubtedly patriotic because of its vital role in the 1971 Liberation War and in the 2024 July uprising.

He then raised questions about the role of the "Islamist party" during the 1971 Liberation War.

"I want to ask the Islamist party about its role in 1971. In which sector did you fight, under which sector commander? Claiming to be the only patriotic party will make people laugh."

Rizvi made these remarks yesterday while speaking at an event at Humayun Rashid Chattar in Sylhet city.

He also criticised the government for not ensuring justice for BNP leaders and activists who were killed or disappeared.

He highlighted BNP's 15-and-a-half-year struggle for democracy, questioning the interim government's commitment to ensuring justice for victims of political repression.

Commenting on recent amendments to school textbooks, Rizvi praised the inclusion of chapters on leaders like Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Haque, Maulana Bhashani, and Hossain Shaheed Suhrawardy but expressed disappointment over the exclusion of a dedicated chapter on the Liberation War.

"It is essential to have a complete history of our struggle for freedom," Rizvi said, urging the government to ensure that the Liberation War's legacy is properly documented in school books.​
 

BNP standing committee members to meet Khaleda tomorrow

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BNP standing committee members are set to meet party's Chairperson Khaleda Zia tomorrow night at her Gulshan residence.

Shayrul Kabir Khan, a member of the BNP Media Cell, confirmed to The Daily Star that the meeting is scheduled to be held at 8:00pm.

Sources said senior leaders are visiting the former prime minister to enquire on her health.

The BNP standing committee has 15 members, and all are expected to attend the meeting, as per party insiders.

On Thursday night, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman also met with the BNP chairperson.

In another development, BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed is expected to arrive in Dhaka tomorrow morning from London.

Shayrul confirmed that Salahuddin's flight is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:30am.​
 

Mirza Fakhrul urges students to remain united
BSS
Published :
Jan 04, 2025 21:21
Updated :
Jan 04, 2025 21:21

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BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today called upon the people, especially students, to remain united taking the current political situation into consideration.

“At this moment, everybody should remain united. Students should also be united and focus on their studies to come out successfully and become self-reliant,” he said.

Fakhrul Islam was addressing virtually a student rally organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal Thakurgaon district unit marking the organisation’s 46th founding anniversary.

Thakurgaon District Chhatra Dal President Md. Kayes chaired the rally held at Thakurgaon public library ground.

Mirza Fakhrul, also a former teacher of economics, urged the students to always devote themselves to acquiring knowledge and work for the well-being of the country.

Noting that an opportunity has come before the nation after the fall of the fascist Awami League regime, Mirza Fakhrul said BNP will always want to make the country free from corruption and protect democracy, freedom of speech and freedom of the press.

The BNP secretary general said the former AL government destroyed the country's educational institutions, economy and electoral system. They killed and injured thousands of students to foil the anti-discrimination student movement, he said.

“Many conspiracies are still going on but we will not bow down to any conspiracy,” he said.

People of the country who joined the War of Liberation being imbued with the declaration of independence by the then Major Ziaur Rahman wanted to establish a discrimination-free state.

“But discrimination has gripped all areas, corruption is everywhere. Only if we can build a sovereign parliament through free and impartial elections, then the cherished goal will be possible to achieve,” he said.

Mirza Fakhrul said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman ruled the country for a very short time. But in this short span of time he took many groundbreaking steps for development of the talented students and building a society without discrimination, he said.

“It is our misfortune that he did not get much time to implement his objectives,” he said.

Earlier, a colourful procession marking the founding anniversary was brought out.

The meeting was addressed among others by District BNP General Secretary Mirza Faisal Amin, Joint Secretary Poygam Ali, Municipal BNP President Shariful Islam Sharif, District BNP Vice-Presidents Freedom Fighter Abu Karim, Obaidullah Masud and Mahebullah Abu Nur.​
 

BNP to strengthen national unity against fascism
Says Salahuddin

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File photo

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed yesterday said their party's acting chairman has instructed them to make every possible effort to maintain national unity to resist the rise of fascist forces in the country.

He made the comments while speaking to reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after his return from London.

In response to a question about the message Tarique Rahman sent through him, Salahuddin said, "Our acting chairman has instructed us to make every effort to keep the nation united, as otherwise, we understand that fascist forces and their associates could be emboldened."

"I believe our ultimate challenge should be to foster the anti-fascist national and mass unity that has developed in Bangladesh as a political culture. Otherwise, fascism could rear its ugly head again," he said.

When asked about Tarique's possible return, he said they had not yet been able to create the necessary environment for his return. "It will take some more time, but he will definitely return home," he said.

The BNP leader said it may not take much time for the institutional, legal, and field-level reforms. "I call upon the interim government to give attention to completing the necessary reforms based on national consensus alongside taking election preparations so that we can proceed to the democratic process promptly."

Regarding the move by the leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, he said their party will welcome the emergence of any new political party in the current context of the country. "But it shouldn't be like the king's party with the support of the government. It would be better for them to come through a healthy political process."​
 

Khaleda asks party leaders to remain united for democracy
Staff Correspondent 06 January, 2025, 00:37

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Khaleda Zia

Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia on Sunday instructed the standing committee members of the party to work together for people and for democracy.

The standing committee members met with the party’s ailing chairperson and exchanged greetings with her on Sunday night.

The meeting was held at the party chairperson’s residence Firoza in Gulshan in the city.

‘The chairperson instructed us to work together, work for people and democracy,’ organisation secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told reporters following the meeting.

He said that the meeting was held ahead of Khaleda Zia’s scheduled trip to London for medical treatment on Tuesday. No political discussions took place during the meeting, he added.

Fakhrul said that they prayed to Almighty for her swift recovery and for her continued leadership in the democratic movement.

Standing committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Barrister Zamir Uddin Sarkar, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, Selima Rahman, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku attended the meeting.

Before the meeting, Liberal Democratic Party chairman Oli Ahmad visited the BNP chairperson in the evening.​
 

Tarique Rahman will return home soon: Salahuddin
BSS
Published :
Jan 06, 2025 16:53
Updated :
Jan 06, 2025 16:53

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Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has said party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman would return home soon following creating a conducive atmosphere.

“We are yet to create a congenial atmosphere for his return. It will require some more days. However, he will return within some days,” he said.

Salahuddin said this at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Sunday after returning from the United Kingdom upon completion of a two-week visit.

He urged the interim government to announce a ‘specific election roadmap,’ saying, “It is necessary to give the election on the basis of national unity for democratic transition.”

Replying to a question on the initiative of the leaders of the July Movement to form a new political party, Salahuddin said BNP welcomes the political platform.

“But those who will form a new political party must follow the fair rules of politics. The new political party should not enjoy the shelter and blessing from the government like a king’s party,” he said.

About the demand of the July revolutionaries to bury the 1972 constitution, Salahuddin said, “Constitution is the basic principles of a country, which cannot be buried but may be amended or ratified.”

Responding to another question about his discussion with Tarique Rahman, he said, you will know everything gradually.

“The acting chairman of BNP stressed the need for unity,” said Salahuddin, who went to London on December 20 last in response to the call of Tarique Rahman.​
 

July uprising proclamation: BNP wants recognition of their sacrifice in 16 yrs
Selim Zahid
Dhaka
Published: 02 Jan 2025, 09: 21

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All political parties support the government initiative to prepare the “proclamation of July uprising” on the basis of a national consensus. However, there are doubts regarding the success of this initiative.

But the political parties think the tension in the political arena surrounding declaration of the “proclamation of the July uprising” by the students who led the mass uprising, has been quelled. A massive political debate over this has been avoided for the time being by this initiative of the interim government.

Now the question arises as to how the proclamation would be prepared and what would be included in it.

Already the frontline leaders of the July have declared scrapping the constitution adopted in 1972 and making the Awami League irrelevant to the country’s politics.

At the same time, the reliable leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said they would demand recognition of the sacrifices they made during the last 16 years under the Awami League rule. The BNP leadership thinks the government initiative is a timely one.

Speaking to Prothom Alo regarding this, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the proclamation should include everything, including the movements over the last 16 years, killings and enforced disappearances, imprisonments and torture on the opposition and the contribution of the political parties.

The proclamation should be based on a consensus among the parties which were involved in the anti-fascist movement, he insisted.

The BNP, however, has a different opinion regarding the “proclamation of the July uprising”. They do not consider the movement in July as a “revolution”. They consider it an “uprising”. So there could be a “declaration”, not a “proclamation” of the mass uprising, BNP leaders believe.

A “proclamation” is supposed to cancel the constitution. Then the constitution is suspended by a military decree or proclamation. Under that proclamation, the chief martial law administrator or the president can amend, change, modify, add and delete any section or part of the section. The constitution is no longer in effect after that. So is the constitutional obligation.

The BNP believes there was a mass uprising of students and people in July and August. Following that, an interim government was formed on the basis of a national consensus. This government was sworn in as per the constitution. So there is no scope to declare a “proclamation of the revolution” some five months after the oath.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has taken a cautious stance in this regard. Speaking to Prothom Alo last Monday, central Jamaat leader and secretary of the party’s publicity wing Matiur Rahman Akanda told Prothom Alo that they appreciated the initiative taken by the students from a perspective of freedom of speech.

However, the backdrop of this has been changed with the internal and external political interventions over the announcement of “proclamation of July revolution”.

The interim government has declared to prepare a “proclamation” of the uprising on the basis of a national consensus. The students, meanwhile, held a programme titled “March for Unity” at the central Shaheed Minar on 31 December.

The Jamaat leaders did not want to make any comment regarding this.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, Jamaat-e-Islami secretary general Mia Golam Parwar said, “The government hasn’t officially declared about preparing the proclamation. The students haven’t cleared their stance either. I don’t think it’s prudent to make any comment in this situation.”

Communist party of Bangladesh (CPB) general secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince wants to prioritise the ongoing crisis and election rather than the proclamation.

He said, “I don’t understand what to be achieved from an initiative that hasn’t been taken by the government in the last five months. I don’t see any realistic implementation of this either. Rather, the government should discuss reform issues with the political parties and give a roadmap of the election without any further delay.”

In an official press conference on 29 December last year, the Anti-discrimination Students Movement said they would declare the “proclamation of the July revolution” on 31 December 2024 in presence of political leaders and advisers of the government.

The initiative sparked sharp reactions from the political parties, some in favour and some against it. Later, in the last moment, chief adviser’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam told at an emergency press briefing that the interim government had taken an initiative to prepare a proclamation of the July mass uprising on the basis of national consensus.

The proclamation will be announced to consolidate people’s unity, anti-fascist spirit and desire for state reform, which were driven by the uprising in last July and August that ousted the government of Bangladesh Awami League.

Later, the students discarded their previously announced programmes and declared the programme “march for unity” at the same venue on the same date.

Although delayed, AB (Amar Bangladesh) party member secretary Mujibur Rahman took this government initiative positively.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, he said the chief adviser held three meetings with the political parties so far. All of these were held as the government needed it. Apart from that, there has been no initiative from the government to unite the students, who led the July uprising and the political parties.

He further stated that the government did not take any initiative until the students took an extreme stance. From that point of view, it is a good initiative.

Islami Andolon Bangladesh senior joint secretary Gazi Ataur Rahman reiterated Mujibur Rahman saying, “The students had said the proclamation would be a part of the constitution. But a national consensus is needed for that. It would create controversy had the students declared the proclamation on their own.”

“Probably, the government realised the reality. It would be better if the government prepared this. We will be saved from the controversy,” he maintained.

Speaking regarding this, Jatiya Nagorik Committee member secretary Akhter Hossain told the newsperson that the proclamation would be the official evidence of the mass uprising.

According to him, it will explain everything as to how a quota reform movement turned into a mass uprising and why people sacrificed their lives.

But, regardless of the content of the proclamation it stirred several questions among the political parties. In particular, many have opposed the idea of suspending the constitution of 1972 and “bury” it forever.

A top CPB leader raised concerns over this. Referring to some recent statements from the student leaders, he said the common people and members of the political parties took part in the mass uprising along with the students. Now the students are trying to claim it to be their own. They are also questioning the liberation war which is raising many questions.

Despite the controversy surrounding the “proclamation of July uprising”, most parties think the mass uprising was an outcome of unprecedented unity among the people of the country. Therefore, there should be an official documentation of the uprising. And, the political parties should not take it lightly.

Some believe that the students will take the entire credit for the proclamation. The students may form a political party. From that assumption, many are considering them as opponents.

However, no political party should show any narrow minded attitude over the unprecedented uprising in 2024, said Islami Andolon leader Gazi Ataur Rahman.

An AB Party leader maintained, “For instance, who would be among the accused for setting fire at the BTV office. The political parties should reach an agreement on issues like this and a declaration should be made that no case will be filed over this. It was a part of the movement.”

Ganosamhati Andolan key coordinator Zonayed Saki thinks there should be a “proclamation of July uprising”.

He said, “That should be done following a proper democratic process on the basis of a national consensus.”

* This report appeared on the print and online versions of Prothom Alo and has been rewritten in English by Ashish Basu​
 

Tarique thanks Qatar emir for providing air ambulance to Khaleda

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Tarique Rahman, left, and Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman today expressed his gratitude to the emir of Qatar for providing the air ambulance that ferried Chairperson Khaleda Zia from Dhaka to London on January 7.

"I am deeply grateful to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, for graciously providing transportation and logistics for my mother, former prime minister of Bangladesh, Begum Khaleda Zia," he wrote in a Facebook post.

"On behalf of my family and the people of Bangladesh, I extend our heartfelt thanks for this support."

He said he was looking forward to fostering lasting, multifaceted ties between Bangladesh and Qatar.

Khaleda, 79, is visiting London for advanced medical treatment.

After initial treatment, she may travel to the Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Maryland, USA, for further medical care, according to party insiders.​
 

‘Minus-two’ won’t be successful
Says Khasru

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BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury yesterday said the hope for implementing a fabricated notion of minus-two formula or depoliticisation will not be fulfilled as BNP is now the most popular political party in the country.

"That expectation [minus-two] will not be fulfilled...," he said, replying to a question from reporters after paying tribute at the grave of Ziaur Rahman.

Khasru also said, "Democracy must be established in Bangladesh. The first task for that (to restore democracy) is (to arrange) election... election is the first reform (initiative). The movement for reforms and the restoration of democracy must begin with this (election)," he said.

Meanwhile, BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan yesterday said they were hurt by the comments of the Jamaat-e-Islami chief, who claimed that the army and his party are the only tested patriotic forces in Bangladesh.

Talking to reporters at the BNP chairperson's Gulshan office after a meeting with a delegation of Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote, he, however, expressed hope that Jamaat would join the movement for the restoration of democracy alongside other democratic parties in the future.

Asked whether BNP would hold any meeting with Jamaat, he said their party was not formally engaged in a simultaneous movement with Jamaat.​
 

BNP dismisses claims of desperation for elections, calls for nat'l unity

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today refuted claims that the BNP is desperate for national elections, labeling the allegation as "false" and accusing certain factions of attempting to create divisions in national unity.

Speaking at the AB Party's council at Suhrawardy Udyan, Fakhrul emphasised the BNP's commitment to reforms and national cohesion.

"We have already spoken about reforms. Once again, we say we want reforms. Some people are trying to create a false narrative that we [BNP] want elections before reform, and we are desperate for elections, but that is not true. We want elections quickly because elections will strengthen us," he said.

"A functioning government and parliament will make us stronger and resolve the ongoing crises," Fakhrul said, adding that a unified national government would help address the country's challenges collaboratively.

"We want to solve the country's problems together. Those who belong to other parties or political parties, think about this and share their opinions," he added.

"We want to return to a democratic system, eliminate inequality, and build a new Bangladesh with the youth. Unfortunately, some individuals are trying to rift in unity, but I am confident their efforts will not succeed," Fakhrul said.

Calling for collective efforts, he said, "Together, with unity, we can achieve our desired goals."

Fakhrul also highlighted the importance of patience in rebuilding the nation.

"Let us not destroy the dream of building a new country through hasty decisions, wrong steps, or mistakes. We all must remain vigilant," he said.

Commenting on the current situation, he said, "The country's economic condition is dire, and the political situation is fragile. We need to address these challenges collectively. If we could remove fascists together, why can't we overcome this crisis now?"

"We have supported an interim government and will continue to do so. It is possible for the current government to find a way forward, a path that we can all walk together," Fakhrul said, reiterating BNP's support for an interim government.​
 

Tarique invited to National Prayer Breakfast by Trump
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Jan 11, 2025 18:08
Updated :
Jan 11, 2025 19:07

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BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, along with two other party leaders, has been invited to the upcoming US National Prayer Breakfast. The other two invitees are BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, a member of the Chairperson's Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee.

The invitation was sent by US President-elect Donald Trump to Mirza Fakhrul on Friday (January 10).

The National Prayer Breakfast will be held in Washington, DC on February 5-6 next.​
 

BNP won’t form govt alone: Khasru

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BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. File photo

BNP will not form a unilateral government even if the party wins 200 seats in the next parliamentary election, said BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury yesterday.

"The 31-point proposal was formulated collectively by 42 parties, including the BNP. Even if the BNP wins 200 seats, it will not form a government alone, as implementing the 31 points must be achieved through a national government," he said.

He made these remarks while addressing a discussion as chief guest on the 31-point state reform proposal held in the capital's Banani.

Khasru said the BNP and 42 other parties jointly carried out the movement that toppled the Awami League-led government.

The BNP leader acknowledged that students played the biggest role in the movement. However, the contributions of other stakeholders should not be underestimated, he added.

He warned against divisions over taking credit for the movement and urged everyone to remain united to secure people's rights in the future.

The BNP leader said, "We have been working to fix the state structures for several years. Bangladesh will not become a communal country."

"Ziaur Rahman emphasised merit-based politics, and the BNP continues to follow that path. However, the participation of the youth [in politics] will be the most critical aspect of Bangladesh's future," he said.

Around 250 students from private universities across Dhaka and other parts of the country attended the discussion.​
 

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