Dhaka: BNP standing committee member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain has stated that the Awami League must face the consequences of its misdeeds during its governance, particularly in relation to the 2024 July Uprising. “The consensus that united students and citizens in the movement must be preserved, and the Awami League must face the consequences of its misdeeds,” Dr. Zahid expressed during a discussion about the participation of remittance warriors in the upcoming elections at the National Press Club.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Zahid urged the interim government to announce a roadmap for the general election, emphasizing the public’s eagerness to exercise their voting rights. He noted that voting rights had been denied for the past 17 years. Dr. Zahid highlighted the importance of unity during the July Uprising and the struggles faced by nearly 10 million Bangladeshi expatriates, calling for the restoration of their voting rights and protection of their assets.
Dr. Zahid commended the contributions of remittance earners and highlighted that late President Ziaur Rahman was the first to formally acknowledge their efforts. He stated, “Ziaur Rahman should be remembered not only as a freedom fighter but also as a lifelong contributor to national development.” Additionally, he paid tribute to students who lost their lives during the July Uprising, acknowledging their sacrifice as pivotal to the current democratic discourse.
MA Malik, President of UK BNP and advisor to the party chairperson, criticized the former Hasina-led government for unlawfully seizing expatriates’ homes, particularly in Sylhet. He called on the interim government to ensure the protection of expatriate property and voting rights.
The discussion was chaired by Jahangir Alam Mintu, coordinator of Probashi Poribar 24. UK BNP Vice President M. Zakaria, Mahmudullah Mamun, Barrister Obaidur Rahman Tipu, and Advocate Parvez were among others who spoke at the event.