BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu: Election Will Reveal True Strength of Political Parties

Dhaka, July 11, 2025: At a protest meeting organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Nabin Dal at the National Press Club, BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu emphasized the importance of holding elections to determine the true strength of political parties. He stated, “Many are now reluctant to take BNP seriously. An election will clarify which party holds how much strength. We believe an election is crucial. Without it, we cannot know who will secure two or three seats or lose their deposits. However, through tactics, reforms, and justice, efforts are being made to delay the election.”

Speaking at the event on Friday afternoon, Dudu criticized so-called intellectuals and politicians who believe they will come to power. He highlighted BNP’s history of winning elections with public support, saying, “This is not the first time BNP will come to power; it has done so multiple times with the people’s mandate.”

Dudu recalled a meeting in London between BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Dr. Yunus, which took place during a period of instability in Bangladesh. “Before the meeting, the country was in turmoil, with a lack of trust among people. The meeting created hope that an election would be held,” he said. He urged the government to announce a specific election date, preferably in early or mid-February, to resolve the ongoing crisis. Dudu also addressed the attacks on BNP, the cases against Begum Khaleda Zia, and the false convictions against Tarique Rahman and numerous BNP leaders and activists, stating that these reflect the political bankruptcy of the Awami League. “Sheikh Hasina thought that by unleashing brutality on the opposition, BNP would never rise again. But the people’s power is unmatched. Sheikh Hasina fled, leaving everything behind to save her life,” he added. Paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives, including students and BNP activists, Dudu called for proper treatment for the injured, a responsibility he said both the government and BNP must uphold. He stressed that establishing democracy is the only way to prevent autocracy from returning to Bangladesh. “Without democracy, Bangladesh cannot be protected, and people’s rights cannot be restored,” he asserted. Commenting on the Awami League, Dudu said, “There is no possibility of the Awami League returning to power in the next 100 years. The Awami League has killed itself, and Sheikh Hasina is the murderer.” The meeting, chaired by Bangladesh Nationalist Nabin Dal President Humayun Ahmed Talukdar, also featured speeches by BNP Chairperson’s Advisor Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal and others.