The BNP leader made the remarks while talking to journalists after laying a wreath at the grave of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e Bangla Nagar in Dhaka. Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Sept 12, 2025 (BSS) - BNP Standing Committee Member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain today said divisions among the political parties will pave the way for the return of autocracy. 

He said, "I want to clearly say that no division will make you or me stronger. We must remember that only by remaining united we banished the autocrat. This (unity) will not allow the return of autocracy."
 
The BNP leader made the remarks while talking to journalists after laying a wreath at the grave of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e Bangla Nagar in the city. 

Dr Zahid called for unity, urging those who have fought for democracy not to engage in the politics of division. "Come to the politics of unity," he said.

"Try to understand the language of the people's hearts," he added.
Dr. Zahid advised those involved in the election process to maintain a neutral position and adapt to the environment, the voters, and the people. "You will prove yourself through your neutrality, and the future will acknowledge your position," he stated. 

The BNP leader also raised questions about the neutrality in the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) and Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (JUCSU) elections, saying, "You can see that questions are being raised about the student union elections at various universities. Regarding the JUCSU election yesterday (Thursday), why are you only talking about Jatiyatabadi Chatra Dal? Various panels, independent candidates, and even some teachers have withdrawn from the election. There must be a reason for that."

He also expressed sorrow over the deaths of journalist Tariqul Islam while performing his duties in the DUCSU election and teacher Jannatul Ferdous during the JUCSU election.

"My message is very clear. The people of this country voted in 2009. In 2014, we had an election without voters; in 2018, votes were cast at night; and in 2024, we had a 'dummy' election. Therefore, the people of Bangladesh want to have faith in the electoral system. Those involved in these matters should not organize elections that raise questions, create confusion, and cause rival parties to withdraw," he added.

Earlier, Dr. Zahid along with leaders and activists of the Diploma Engineers' Association-Bangladesh (DEAB), led by convener Md. Hanif and member secretary Qazi Sakhawat Hossain, went to the grave of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to pay their respects by laying a wreath. Later, the leaders of the newly formed convener committee took an oath with clenched fists in front of the tomb.