Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed declared today that the BNP is resolute in implementing every clause of the July Charter as agreed upon by the political parties. 'If anything beyond that is imposed, the people will judge,' he stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Salahuddin emphasized that no law or order should interfere with the sovereignty of Parliament, and there should be no imposition that would undermine it. He assured that strict vigilance would be maintained on these matters. His remarks were made at a pre-procession rally titled 'Rising Violence and Disrespect: Conscious Women Prepared to Resist,' organized by the Women and Children Rights Forum in Shahbagh, Dhaka.
Following the rally, participants marched silently to the Central Shaheed Minar with black cloths tied over their mouths, symbolizing their protest. Salahuddin asserted that if the BNP is entrusted with state power through the people's mandate, it will ensure the highest punishment for those guilty of committing violence against women.
He further elaborated that measures will be taken to prevent those involved in violence against women, including rapists, from escaping through legal loopholes. Salahuddin stressed that the BNP would remain vigilant to prevent the misuse of the law, ensuring offenders do not evade justice.
Addressing a political party that engages in politics under the guise of religion, Salahuddin remarked, 'Their motives are questionable-they want to confine women to their homes. They exploit religion for political gain, selling the promise of paradise to win votes, while women suffer under their influence.' He affirmed that there would be no religion-based divisions in the future, as all citizens would enjoy equal rights as guaranteed by the Constitution.
Salahuddin also addressed the lack of an effective movement in response to the widespread violence against women, both currently and historically. He noted, 'Some laws are enacted, and in some cases made harsher, but they are not properly implemented.'
The rally was presided over by BNP Standing Committee Member and convener of the Women and Children Rights Forum, Begum Selima Rahman, while Dhaka District BNP General Secretary and the forum's member secretary, Advocate Nipun Roy Chowdhury, conducted it. Other speakers included Shirin Sultana, Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, Sanjida Islam Tuli, and Rehana Akhter Shirin.