Awami League established dictatorship in the country for the last 15–16 years: Salahuddin Ahmed

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said that the Awami League has established an authoritarian ruling system during the last 15–16 years.

He said: "Sheikh Hasina established dictatorship by abolishing the caretaker government system, which was made for neutral elections."

He made the comments at a milad and prayer gathering arranged by Pohorchoda Union unit of BNP for the eternal peace of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s soul. The programme was held at afternoon on Thursday, where he was present as the chief guest.

Salahuddin Ahmed said that the president of the Awami League, Sheikh Hasina, and her family have been destroying democracy for a long time. He also complained that the political and civil rights of the people were looted by a one-party and individual-centric ruling system.

He said that Begum Khaleda Zia had re-established democracy through an anti-autocracy movement after nine years of military rule. The parliamentary government system was started by public demand, and the caretaker government system was introduced to ensure clean, fair, and neutral elections. But the Awami League abolished that system when they came to power, he added.

The senior leader also complained that the Awami League tortured devout Muslims and Islamic scholars. He said that many Islamic scholars were killed at Shapla Chottor, many madrasa students were murdered, and many scholars were sent to prison.

Salahuddin Ahmed said that now the prime question is what kind of Bangladesh the people want. According to him, people expect a strong, democratic, and discrimination-free Bangladesh, where the rule of law, justice, and social fairness are ensured.