Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Vice-Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu has said that there is no alternative to all-party unity in safeguarding democracy, stressing that fascism cannot survive when a nation remains united.He said it was the unity of the people that made it possible to end Sheikh Hasina's 15-year rule through the mass uprising of 2024.Dudu made the remarks on Saturday, October 10, at a discussion meeting titled “Unity Is Essential to Protect Democracy,” organised by the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chalak Dal at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia Hall of the National Press Club in the capital.Dudu said the government's positive initiatives should be communicated to the public. At the same time, any shortcomings in its performance should be brought to its attention so that the necessary corrective measures could be taken.
He also warned that if the current government failed for any reason or suffered setbacks due to conspiracies, it could become difficult to safeguard the very existence of Bangladesh.
Praising Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the former lawmaker said that, as a worthy successor to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman had undertaken initiatives to build a different kind of Bangladesh.
“The nation is standing by him,” Dudu said.
Referring to Tarique Rahman's personal lifestyle and simplicity, Dudu said that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had led a modest life and that Tarique Rahman was following in his father's footsteps. He also claimed that neither Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia nor Tarique Rahman owned a house in Dhaka.
The former president of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal recalled that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had once been allotted a plot by a military board but later transferred it to another officer and never accepted another plot. Dudu further claimed that Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman had also refrained from accepting plots.
Addressing the current political situation, the BNP vice-chairman stressed the need to establish democracy firmly through national unity.
He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had not curtailed freedom of expression. Contrasting the current situation with the tenure of the Awami League government under Sheikh Hasina, Dudu claimed that extensive restrictions and shutdowns had previously been imposed in places ahead of her visits.
He added that the Prime Minister and ministers were now carrying out their official duties without disrupting public meetings and rallies. According to Dudu, people are now free to organise meetings and hold gatherings using loudspeakers.
The discussion meeting was chaired by Jasim Uddin Kabir, president of the organising organisation. Other speakers included BNP National Executive Committee member Abu Naser Mohammad Rahmatullah and leaders and activists from various levels of the organisation.