Dhaka: BNP Vice-Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu today emphasized that only an elected government can pave the way for establishing democracy. “Not an unelected government, only an elected government can lead the establishment of democracy. If democracy is not established, people’s expectation that was created through the fall of autocracy will be obstructed and thus they will also become frustrated,” he stated during a protest rally held in front of the National Press Club.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event was organized by Desh Bachao Manush Bachao Andolon (Save the Country, Save the People Movement) to protest against domestic and international conspiracies surrounding the upcoming national elections. Dudu, who served as the chief guest, urged the current government to align with the people’s interests by ensuring the establishment of an elected government. He stressed that the election process, including the appointment of Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Superintendents of Police (SPs), and other election-related officials, should remain free from any partisan influence. Without such impartiality, Dudu warned, democracy would face significant challenges, leaving the populace disillusioned.
Criticizing several political parties, Dudu remarked, “The act of hiring agents or engaging in blackmail is not the work of a political party. In the context of democracy and the rule of law, it is punishable and illegal. Therefore, I will say that the government should be cautious about those who are thinking of taking advantage by blackmailing it.”
Dudu also took a critical stance on the Awami League’s political history, asserting that “Sheikh Mujib was the one who murdered democracy” in the early 1970s by forming BAKSAL and creating Rakkhi Bahini, which he claimed killed nearly 40,000 opposition leaders and activists. He further accused Sheikh Hasina of perpetuating this legacy over the past 15 to 16 years by allegedly killing thousands to maintain power. Dudu insisted that the family’s actions must be legally addressed, stating, “These murderers cannot be rehabilitated in any way.”
The event was presided over by Desh Bachao Manush Bachao Andolon president K M Rakibul Islam Ripon. Other speakers included Chairman of the National Labor Party Lion Faruk Rahman and former convener of Pirojpur District BNP Principal Alamgir Hossain.