Tareq Rahman’s Leadership Will Take the Nation Far, Says Salahuddin Ahmed

Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of the BNP’s standing committee, announced that the party’s acting chairman, Tareq Rahman, will return to Bangladesh “soon,” describing his return as a historic and unforgettable event. Speaking at a discussion meeting marking the 47th founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Sunday afternoon at the Institution of Diploma Engineers in Kakrail, Dhaka, Salahuddin praised Tareq’s leadership, stating, “With his intellect, competence, hard work, and leadership, Tareq Rahman has established himself as Bangladesh’s foremost leader. The maturity I have observed while working closely with him in movements and struggles assures me that, God willing, the nation will progress far under his leadership.”

The event was organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Lawyers’ Forum at the Muktijoddha Hall of the Institution of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh (IDEB). Salahuddin noted the prevailing election atmosphere, saying, “The country is in an election mood. Our leader, Tareq Rahman, will return soon, and that day, God willing, much of the election process will be established. I’m not saying the election will happen immediately, but we, on behalf of BNP, will complete half the work for it that day.”

Questioning the need for governance through “extra-constitutional or special constitutional orders,” Salahuddin asked, “Why is this necessary? Who are we trying to satisfy, and for what purpose? We want a stable nation.” He emphasized that the people’s uprising was for democratic continuity and the exercise of voting rights. Highlighting BNP’s long struggle for democracy and sovereignty, Salahuddin said, “By fostering a positive political culture, we must eliminate negative politics and fascist tendencies. If we can uphold principled politics, the fascist politics of the Awami League will vanish from Bangladesh.” He added that fascist and undemocratic forces would no longer find a foothold in the country, urging all to work toward a cultural shift in politics to prevent the return of fascism. Reflecting on public hardships, Salahuddin noted that BNP adjusted its anniversary celebrations this year, saying, “We must practice a beautiful democratic culture, which we are starting and will continue. We’ve had to bring cultural changes in line with public sentiment.” The discussion, chaired by Ramiz Uddin Ahmed, president of the Bangladesh Nationalist Lawyers’ Forum, also featured speeches by BNP central vice-chairman Ahmed Azam Khan and national executive committee information secretary Azizul Bari Helal, among others.