Kamrul Hasan : There is no alternative to BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in protecting people from the oppression of an autocratic regime and in restoring the country’s independence, constitution, and democracy, said Dr. Khondkar Akbar Hossain Bablu, eldest son of BNP’s late Secretary General Advocate Khondkar Delwar Hossain, former Vice-President of Manikganj District BNP, member of the district convening committee, and BNP candidate for Manikganj-1 constituency.

He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon at a views-exchange meeting in Tepara of Shibalaya upazila, after a leaflet distribution and mass campaign organized by the upazila BNP and its associate bodies to promote the 31-point state-reform plan announced by BNP’s Acting Chairman and the nation’s leader Tarique Rahman.

The meeting was presided over by Mahidur Rahman, former Senior Joint Convener of District Jubo Dal. Shibalaya upazila BNP Vice-President Kazi Abdur Razzak spoke as the chief discussant.

Among others present were—Additional Public Prosecutor of Manikganj Judge Court Advocate Yunus Ali Sikder, Ghior upazila BNP Vice-President Advocate Anwar Hossain, Daulatpur upazila BNP Joint General Secretary Aminul Islam Master, Senior Joint Secretary Shafiqul Alam Biltu, Ghior Union BNP President Md. Harej Mia, Mahadebpur Union BNP Organizing Secretary Md. Abul Hossain, District Krishak Dal members Md. Liton Muhuri and Abul Kalam Azad, Ghior upazila Krishak Dal Vice-President Md. Shahidul Islam Chandu, Daulatpur upazila Krishak Dal Organizing Secretary Sergeant Shaheen, Tejgaon Industrial Thana Krishak Dal Convener Md. Selim Mia, Ghior upazila Swechchhasebak Dal Senior Joint Convener Md. Ujjal Hossain, Shibalaya upazila Zia Projonmo Dal President Amzad Hossain, Daulatpur upazila Zia Projonmo Dal President Mintu Member, Shibalaya upazila Zia Projonmo Dal General Secretary Nurul Islam Master, and Shibalaya upazila Matsyajibi Dal Senior Vice-President Nirmal Halder, along with leaders of BNP and its associate organizations.

Dr. Bablu said that to free the nation from oppression and repression, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had called for independence, and in response, the people of Bangladesh, regardless of religion or creed, joined the Liberation War, achieving the red-and-green flag in the global arena. Therefore, everyone must unite, setting aside all divisions, to work for the welfare of the nation.

He further stated that it was due to the foresight and wisdom of BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman that, on August 5, fascist Hasina was forced to flee the country in the face of the BNP-student-public movement. This victory brought a Bangladesh free from dictatorship. To preserve this achievement and fulfill the people’s long-cherished expectations of protecting the constitution and democracy, timely elections are of utmost importance.

He emphasized that the next national election must be held in the first half of February. Otherwise, the interim government may face accountability, he warned.

Dr. Bablu added that the country is currently facing a severe crisis, and elections are the only proper and beneficial solution. The banned fascist Awami League has begun raising its head again, conspiring to create nationwide anarchy and public suffering through destructive plots. Such evil forces can never bring good for the nation and must be resisted by building united public opinion.

He called for ensuring the victory of the BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf, in every constituency of Manikganj — long known as a BNP stronghold. He urged all to work together in strengthening the organizational structure, implementing and promoting Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform plan for restructuring the state.

He advised party leaders and activists to devote themselves fully to organizational activities for the welfare of the nation and sought prayers for the speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, as well as for the good health and long life of Tarique Rahman.