BNP senior leader and former minister Abdul Moyeen Khan today said no force, either local or foreign, will be able to depoliticise Bangladesh.
“Politics is in the blood of Bangladeshi people. Democracy is also in their blood. I believe no force or superpower can depoliticise this country,” he said.
The BNP leader made the remarks while addressing a condolence meeting and doa mahfil organised by the Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU), in memory of BNP chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
He said an election was held in 2008 that was “stage-managed” with the involvement of various local and foreign forces. “At that time, there was an attempt to depoliticise Bangladesh. But that attempt failed.”
Dr Moyeen, a BNP Standing Committee member, said Khaleda Zia enjoyed towering popularity and proved it by winning elections repeatedly. “That was a clear reflection of the people’s love for her. She was the greatest custodian and bearer of democracy in Bangladesh.”
From 2008 to 2024, he said, their late chairperson faced continuous repression and harassment and was implicated in politically motivated false cases. “Despite all this, she showed remarkable patience.”
Recalling a personal interaction, the BNP leader said, “I once told her that we wanted to take steps regarding the false cases filed against her. She replied that nothing was needed. She said she would prove through legal means that the cases were false and that she was innocent. She believed the people would also see the truth.”
He said August 5, 2024 marked a victory for truth and democracy. “Those who conspired against Begum Khaleda Zia, those who established authoritarian rule in the name of democracy, and those who claimed to support the Liberation War but acted against its ideals, faced a humiliating defeat. It has been proven that Khaleda Zia was right.”
Dr Moyeen said the periods from 1991 to 1996 and from 2001 to 2006 under Khaleda Zia’s leadership were two of the most important chapters in Bangladesh’s development.
“Roads, schools, colleges, mosques and madrasas were built across rural areas. She was the main architect of rural development and took development from the capital to villages across the country,” he said.
Dr Moyeen expressed confidence that following this legacy, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman will lead the country forward. “We believe that under his leadership, BNP will protect democracy and establish Bangladesh as a developed and respected nation in the world.”
Leaders from different political parties also spoke at the programme, recalling Khaleda Zia’s role in the country’s democratic movements and her contributions to Bangladesh’s overall development.
Later, a special prayer was offered seeking eternal peace for the departed soul of Khaleda Zia.