News Flash
DHAKA, Oct 19, 2025 (BSS) - BNP Chairperson's advisory council member Zainul Abedin Farroque today called upon all political forces that are fighting against autocracy to unite and forge a broad-based national unity to restore people’s rights and democracy in the country.
“I do not want to see a Bangladesh where the fundamental right to cast one’s own vote — ‘amar vote ami debo’ — will not be ensured,” he told a rally in front of Jatiya Press Club, organized by the Dhaka North unit of the Jatiyatabadi Olama Dal protesting conspiracies being hatched over the forthcoming national election.
The BNP leader said, “As long as Sheikh Hasina continues to depend on Indian support in her politics, she will keep destroying democracy and killing the people of this country. There is no force that will be able to bring her back once she leaves. She should never be allowed to return and re-establish a fascist rule under Modi’s shelter.”
“The Awami League has now become a puppet in India’s hands. They are not protecting Bangladesh’s interests but serving those of a neighbouring country,” he added.
Farroque also said, “We get no water from the Teesta River, the Farakka Barrage is not opened in time, Felani’s body hangs from the border fence — and yet they say Modi is our friend! Modi can never be a friend of Bangladesh.”
He said, “Those who fought for our independence in 1971 are now being called Rajakar (collaborators). Major Jalil, Siraj Sikder — they risked their lives for this country, yet today their names are being defamed.”
Farroque further alleged that after independence, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman did not allow the people to live in peace. “He shut down newspapers, and ballot boxes were flown in by helicopter to alter election results. Sheikh Hasina is following the same path — she has erected statues across the country while depriving people of their rights,” he said.
Calling for national unity, the senior BNP leader said, “This is not the time to remain divided. Stand together. If all forces opposing Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic rule unite, inshallah, she will never return to power again. Let us restore the people’s right to vote — the dead will never vote again.”
Addressing Chief Adviser of the Interim Government Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Farroque said, “I have heard Professor Yunus’s statement. I pray for him. May his words come true — and may the elections be held in February.”
Chaired by Dhaka North unit of the Jatiyatabadi Olama Dal Convener Hafez Maulana Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, it was also addressed by BNP Religious Affairs Secretary Rafiqul Islam Jamal, Assistant Religious Affairs Secretary ATM Abdul Bari Danny, and Joint Conveners of Olama Dal Maulana Kazi Alamgir Hossain and Maulana Qari Golam Mostafa.
