BNP is guardian of Bangladesh's independence, sovereignty: Salahuddin Ahmed

BNP’s National Standing Committee member, Salahuddin Ahmed, has said that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is the true guardian of the country’s independence and sovereignty.

He also warned that if BNP is weakened, the nation’s strength and sovereignty would also be at risk.

Salahuddin made the remark at the inauguration of BNP’s new member recruitment and renewal campaign for the Sylhet Division, held at the Shilpakala Academy Auditorium on Monday afternoon (May 19).

Highlighting the party’s historic contributions to Bangladesh’s democratic evolution, he said, “If BNP had not been born, multi-party democracy would not have been introduced in the country. If BNP had not been well-organized, parliamentary democracy would not have been established, and the caretaker government system would never have been implemented. That is why BNP stands as the guardian of the country's independence and sovereignty.”

He said, “Anyone who believes in Bangladeshi nationalism and identifies as Bangladeshi can become a member of BNP. The party embraces and represents every corner of the nation.”

Addressing recent debates about party membership, he said there is no need for BNP to seek recruits from opposing political groups. “Though the official population is 180 million, in reality it has crossed 190 million. Is BNP so old that it needs to import members from Awami League? Why should we invite those who don’t have democracy in their DNA to join BNP?” he remarked.

BNP National Executive Committee Organising Secretary (Sylhet Division) Al Haj Md GK Gaus presided over the ceremony and moderated by Joint Organising Secretary Miftah Siddique. Special guest M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Treasurer of the BNP National Executive Committee, also spoke at the programme.

Other prominent figures who addressed the ceremony included BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Dr Enamul Haque Chowdhury, former Sylhet Mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury, M A Malik, former MP Kalim Uddin Ahmed Milon, and former MP and Cooperative Affairs Secretary Shammi Akhter.