People sacrificed lives for democracy, not for a great man: Amir Khasru

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said that the people of Bangladesh did not sacrifice their lives for the establishment of a "great man" but for the restoration of democracy.

Speaking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson's office in Gulshan on Monday (April 28), he said, "The focus should be on democracy, not individuals."

Responding to a question, Amir Khasru pointed out that throughout history, many "great men" have emerged, but their legacies have often proven detrimental. The struggle, he stated, was never about elevating one person but about ensuring democratic governance.

“People did not fight to hand power to a great leader; they fought for the restoration of democracy,” he said.

On the topic of the interview given by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to Qatar-based Al-Jazeera, Amir Khasru reiterated the BNP’s stance. He stated that about 50 political parties, including BNP, were united in calling for early elections before December, alongside political reforms demanded by the people.

“If by ‘people’ you mean a select group or privileged class that has led to democracy facing challenges... there's no confusion in understanding this,” he added.

Reflecting on the long struggle for democracy, Amir Khasru affirmed, "The government elected by the people’s vote must remain accountable to the people."

In a message later issued by the party's media cell, Amir Khasru reiterated the BNP's commitment to a national consensus by June and early elections by December."