Dhaka: BNP Vice-Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu today declared that the Awami League (AL) has become a part of history and will never be able to return to active politics. “The Awami League is now just a chapter in history. I don’t believe it can return to the political arena again. Politically conscious people also believe the same. An organization cannot survive merely by holding occasional processions,” he stated during a discussion and doa mahfil at the National Press Club.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event was organized by the Afsar Ahmed Siddiqui Memorial Foundation to mark the 24th death anniversary of former BNP Vice-Chairman Afsar Ahmad Siddiqui. Criticizing AL and its former chief Sheikh Hasina, Dudu remarked, “Sheikh Hasina is nearing her end. Time itself will one day hold her accountable. How shameless to stay in politics after committing genocide and plundering the country’s wealth without remorse or apology! Neither she nor her party has sought forgiveness, yet they still want to do politics. It’s unbelievable.”
The BNP leader further claimed that the upcoming national election was delayed due to national and international conspiracies aimed at preventing the BNP’s rise. “The BNP is now at the height of its popularity. The election could have been held within three months, but it was postponed unnecessarily to halt BNP’s momentum,” he argued.
Dudu expressed confidence that whenever the polls are held, people will vote overwhelmingly for BNP to form the next government. “As long as Bangladesh exists, democracy will survive and autocracy will not return,” he added.
Calling for unity among pro-democracy forces, Dudu emphasized, “We must remain united until democracy is restored. Different countries and vested quarters are trying to obstruct the democratic process, so we have to stay united and face them together.”
The meeting was presided over by the foundation’s convener, Jahanara Siddiqui. Other speakers included BNP Assistant Information Secretary and Bangladesh Federal Journalists’ Union Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, Labour Party Chairman Lion Faruque Rahman, BNP Assistant Education Secretary Helen Zerin Khan, Desh Bachao Manush Bachao Andolan President K M Rokibul Islam Ripon, and Krishak Dal Religious Affairs Secretary Kader Siddiqui.