BNP believes in tolerance, not in bigotry: Salahuddin

BNP does not believe in the politics of bigotry; the party is in favour of tolerance and communal harmony, said Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of the party's standing committee and candidate for Cox's Bazar-1 constituency.

He said that BNP's goal is to build a Bangladesh where everyone will rise above religion or ethnic identity and be known by one identity - all Bangladeshis.

He made the remarks at a public meeting organized in support of BNP candidate for Cox's Bazar-3 constituency Lutfur Rahman Kajal at Muktijoddha Chattar ground in Cox's Bazar town on Friday (February 6) afternoon.

Salahuddin Ahmed said that BNP has never done the politics of religious or ethnic division and will not do it in the future. This policy is part of the party's political philosophy and manifesto.

He alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami is misleading people by promising paradise in exchange for votes. In this context, he raised the question of where the moral and religious basis of such promises lies.

He further said that Jamaat is distorting the history of the Liberation War and creating a new narrative by ignoring the independence proclaimer Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, which is misleading the new generation.

Regarding education, Salahuddin Ahmed said that the education system cannot be based only on books. Students must be provided with opportunities to acquire technical and work-oriented skills according to their preferences and abilities.

Regarding agriculture and economy, he said that although a large amount of agricultural products are produced in the Cox's Bazar region, farmers are suffering due to not getting a fair price.

As an example, he said that where salt is sold for Tk40 per kg in Dhaka, the producers get only Tk10. He assured that if BNP comes to power, a fair market price for all products produced will be ensured.

Regarding tourism development, Salahuddin Ahmed said that Cox's Bazar will be developed as one of the best tourist destinations in the world. He also outlined plans to transform Matarbari Seaport into an important economic hub.

He said that if elected, he would take the initiative to establish a public university in Cox's Bazar.

At the end of his speech at the public meeting, he urged the people to vote and become partners in the country's self-reliance and development.