Photo: Collected

DHAKA, July 5, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu today said the party's leaders and activists, along with their families, were subjected to oppression and persecution during the fascist rule of Sheikh Hasina.

Speaking at a prayer event at the Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the National Press Club, Dudu said many deserving BNP supporters were denied employment opportunities during that period.

The programme, organized by the Jatiyatabadi Kormojibi Dal, sought prayers for the recovery of senior BNP leaders Barrister Rafiqul Islam Miah, Mirza Abbas and Nazrul Islam Khan, as well as those injured in the 2024 July Uprising.

He said Khaleda Zia became prime minister after the 1990 mass uprising through democratic elections. Sheikh Hasina fled the country following the 2024 student-led mass uprising after 18 years of political struggle by the BNP, and that Tarique Rahman later assumed the office of prime minister through a public mandate.

Dudu also prayed for the speedy recovery of the ailing BNP leaders, noting that Mirza Abbas is receiving treatment abroad, Nazrul Islam Khan is hospitalized and Barrister Rafiqul Islam Miah has long been ill.

He said the three leaders had devoted their lives to the people, the country and the cause of democracy.

Jatiyatabadi Kormojibi Dal President Salauddin Khan chaired the programme, while General Secretary Altaf Hossain Sardar conducted it.