Forces against democracy are still conspiring: Khaleda at daylong meeting

Meanwhile, BNP’s acting Chairman Tarique Rahman accused the government of creating confusion over elections, stating that the party will not participate in any local election traps

“Although I’m in the UK for treatment, I’m always beside you. I convey my gratitude to those who has fought for the last 15 years for my release,” Khaleda said.

“The country is going through a crisis. Don’t do anything which jeopardises your achievements. The whole country is eagerly waiting for a democratic change. We have to let go of our narrow mindset and work for the greater good of the nation,” Khaleda added.

“The fascists are still out there trying to foil the achievement of the mass uprising. Come and let’s strengthen our newfound freedom and build BNP like it was before,” Khaleda further said

BNP will not fall into the trap of local elections: Tarique

BNP’s acting Chairman Tarique Rahman accused the government of creating confusion over elections, stating that the party will not participate in any local election traps.

Joining the same meeting virtually from London, Tarique Rahman said that an attempt was being made to destabilise the country by prioritising local elections ahead of the national polls.

“Before the national election, the government is using local elections as a means to cloud the political scenario. This is part of a process to rehabilitate Sheikh Hasina’s fascism. But BNP will not step into this trap,” he asserted.

The BNP acting chairman also called on people to remain vigilant against conspiracies against the nation.

“Some misleading statements from certain advisors are causing confusion among freedom-loving people. Meanwhile, the country is witnessing violence, and the government has failed to establish control over law and order. They have also been unable to curb the uncontrolled rise in commodity prices,” he added.

Around 4,000 leaders and activists from across the country have joined the meeting that began around 11am.

The meeting is being presided over virtually by BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, who inaugurated the meeting earlier.

BNP’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir gave the introductory speech during the meeting.

According to sources, the aim of the day-long meeting is to call for national and party unity regarding the 13th national parliamentary elections and the ongoing unrest.

Around 20 minutes before the meeting, Sultan Salahuddin, BNP’s publicity secretary, informed the meeting that Khaleda Zia would join it virtually.

Only Mirza Fakhrul from the central committee gave a speech, while leaders from thana and district units will be allowed to speak on a priority basis, sources said.

Those who had received nominations and primary letters during the 11th parliamentary elections in 2018 were also asked to be present at the meeting, party sources said.

Party sources say that no central leader except the acting chairman and secretary general has been given the opportunity to speak. The acting chairman will speak last, after listening to the opinions of the grassroots leaders.

On the occasion of the daylong meeting, a 27-member implementation committee headed by Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, an 11-member management committee led by Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury, and a 200-member volunteer committee convened by Central Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin have been formed.

In addition, a reception, entertainment and media committee have also been formed.

Covener of the committee to implement the meeting and BNP’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said, “During the meeting, the party and national unity, price hike of essentials, anti-state conspiracy and the next elections will be discussed.”