BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo said, “We have been raising movement for the past 17 years, and we are still doing so. Its not necessary to get recognition of BNP's contribution in the movement to remove dictatorship by someone. The people will give us their recognition through voting.”
He said this while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion meeting organized by Barishal South District BNP on the occasion of the 89th birth anniversary of martyred President Ziaur Rahman at Ashwini Kumar Hall in the city.
He also said, “Someone says the election will be held at the end of the year. Another says the date will be announced after talks upon receiving the report of the reform commission. We did not raise movement for the election. Our goal was to establish the people's right to vote by removing dictatorship. This movement will end only when the constitutional and fundamental right to vote of the people of the country is restored.”
Mintu said BNP leaders and activists have made many sacrifices in the restoration of democracy over the past 17 years. False cases have been filed against about 6.2 million leaders and activists, which no one can erase from history.
He also said after gaining independence, we were called a bottomless basket. But under the skillful leadership of martyred President Ziaur Rahman, the country quickly became a granary. We even exported rice abroad.
Under the chairmanship of South District BNP member secretary Abul Kalam Shahin, central BNP co-organizing secretary Akon Quddusur Rahman, Mahabubul Haque Nannu, members S Sarfuddin Ahmed Santu and Abu Naser Muhammad Rahmatullah also spoke in the event.
At the same time, another discussion meeting was held in front of the party office at the initiative of the Metropolitan BNP. Abdul Awal Mintu was also the chief guest there. Metropolitan BNP convener Moniruzzaman Khan Faruk, joint convener Afroza Khanam Nasrin, and member secretary Zia Uddin Shikder were present.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
