Salahuddin accuses a party of deceiving people in religion’s name

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday criticised those who exploit religion for political gain, saying they promise heaven if people vote for them but offer no guidance on how citizens should manage their lives in this world.

Speaking at a BNP-organised discussion titled “Plan for Building Bangladesh” at the Krishibid Institute auditorium in Khamarbari, Dhaka, he said, “A party with no principles, no ideology, and no plan is deceiving the people by selling tablets in the name of religion. Their mask has been exposed.”

Salahuddin added, “Those who want to reach heaven without effort should first know where the bus station is. The public understands these things.”

He also accused Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina of establishing a “masked democracy” while imposing one-party rule in the country. “Hasina abolished the caretaker government system and turned the elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024 into unprecedented examples of undemocratic governance—a unique one-party fascist regime in the history of the world,” he claimed.

Addressing party activists and leaders, including Chhatra Dal, he urged, “We must clearly explain to the people what BNP will do if it comes to power. We are seeking support from the public, and it is our responsibility to fulfill what the people expect from us.”

Salahuddin emphasised that BNP does not aim to deceive people in the name of religion but focuses on economic freedom, welfare, and clear development plans for the country.

Highlighting BNP’s historical role, he said, “Bangladesh means BNP; BNP is another name for democracy.” He noted that Ziaur Rahman paved the way for restoring multi-party democracy, from declaring independence to the Fifth Amendment. He also cited BNP’s contributions to the anti-autocracy movement of 1990, the parliamentary system in 1991, and the caretaker government in 1996.

Criticising writers and analysts, he added, “Many comment without understanding the country’s realities, behaving as if they are the ultimate source of knowledge. They have no accountability, no sense of responsibility, and no patriotism.”