Photo: BSS

COX’S BAZAR, Dec 6, 2025 (BSS)- BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed today said ousted prime minister and death-row convict Sheikh Hasina worked to protect the interests of a neighboring country instead of serving the interests of Bangladesh.

“Her primary objectives in staying in power were to plunder the nation’s wealth and place the country under external influence,” he said while addressing a women’s rally at the Shaheed Hossain Chowdhury High School ground at Islamnagar under Koiyarbill Union of Chakaria Upazila here.

Salahuddin said Hasina never showed genuine trust or responsibility to Bangladesh’s existence or its people. 

He said the people of Bangladesh were deprived of their voting rights and democratic freedoms for 16–17 long years due to the fascist rule of the Awami League government. 

Although a nominal constitutional and democratic system existed, in reality Sheikh Hasina had established a one-party rule in the country, he added.

He said Sheikh Hasina never believed in the sovereignty of Bangladesh. “So it makes me wonder why those who still support the Awami League continue to do so even after their leader fled to India along with other leaders.”

Salahuddin said Bangladesh will be rebuilt in line with the expectations of its people and its martyrs.

“Women will have significant representation in this country,” he said.

Commenting on the upcoming national election scheduled for February, the BNP leader hoped the polls would earn global recognition and praise. 

“People themselves will guard their votes; no one else will be needed. This election will mark the beginning of change,” he stated.

Former Member of Parliament Advocate Hasina Ahmed, Cox’s Bazar district BNP General Secretary Advocate Shamim Ara Swapna, Chakaria Upazila BNP President Enamul Haque and General Secretary M. Mobarak Ali, among others, were present.

Earlier, Salahuddin Ahmed conducted election campaign in Fasiakhali, Kakara, Lakshyar Char, and Baraitoli unions of Chakaria and spoke in several street rallies.