Chakaria: BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed today accused ousted prime minister and death-row convict Sheikh Hasina of prioritizing the interests of a neighboring country over those of Bangladesh. 'Her primary objectives in staying in power were to plunder the nation's wealth and place the country under external influence,' he declared while addressing a women's rally at the Shaheed Hossain Chowdhury High School ground at Islamnagar under Koiyarbill Union of Chakaria Upazila here.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Salahuddin alleged that Hasina never showed genuine trust or responsibility towards Bangladesh's existence or its people. He criticized the Awami League government for depriving the people of Bangladesh of their voting rights and democratic freedoms for 16-17 years under what he described as fascist rule. While a nominal constitutional and democratic system was in place, Salahuddin claimed that Sheikh Hasina had effectively established a one-party rule in the country.
Salahuddin further claimed that Sheikh Hasina did not believe in the sovereignty of Bangladesh, questioning why supporters of the Awami League continued to support the party even after its leader fled to India with other leaders. He expressed hope for rebuilding Bangladesh in line with the expectations of its people and its martyrs, emphasizing that women would have significant representation in the future.
Addressing the upcoming national election scheduled for February, Salahuddin expressed optimism that the polls would earn global recognition and praise. He asserted that people would guard their votes themselves, marking the election as the beginning of change.
The event was attended by former Member of Parliament Advocate Hasina Ahmed, Cox's Bazar district BNP General Secretary Advocate Shamim Ara Swapna, Chakaria Upazila BNP President Enamul Haque, and General Secretary M. Mobarak Ali, among others. Prior to the rally, Salahuddin Ahmed conducted election campaigns in Fasiakhali, Kakara, Lakshyar Char, and Baraitoli unions of Chakaria and spoke at several street rallies.