Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Jan 31, 2026 (BSS)- BNP Chairman's Adviser and Chief Coordinator of the party's election management committee for Dhaka-17 constituency Abdus Salam today said if mistake is made in coming elections, the country will go back a far.

He said, "As in the past, Bangladesh is still going through a difficult time. If the country had not become independent in 1971, we would still be subjugated. If Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had made any mistake in taking charge of the country after 1975, the independence would have jeopardized. If we make a mistake this time too, the country will go back a far."

Abdus Salam said this while addressing an election campaign and discussion with former army officers at Bashantek and Cantonment areas of Dhaka-17 constituency in the capital today.

He said the upcoming election on February 12 is extremely important for the country. If Tarique Rahman is elected by the people's vote, there will be no unemployment in the country. Poverty will be eradicated, and people will not go hungry. Therefore, we must vote considering all aspects.”

He added, “If you make a mistake in electing the right persons this time, the country will lag behind."

He said, there is an attempt to make the country a tributary state. We fought and liberated the country. We cannot allow this country to become a tributary state again.”

“Now you must decide whether you will let the country be subjugated or keep independence intact. It will be decided through the election that will run this country."

Salam said, "In the past, you have suffered a lot, lost a lot. You will get back everything you have lost. Some lost their businesses, some lost their jobs, some lost limbs. BNP will duly compensate for them in due time, he added.

The meeting was presided over by retired army officer and valiant freedom fighter Matiur Rahman. BNP Chairman's Advisor and Joint Coordinator of Dhaka-17 Farhad Halim Donor also spoke at the meeting.

Colonel Jaglul Ahsan, Bashantek thana BNP Convener Kader Mahmud, Member Secretary Rezanur Selim, Joint Conveners Amir Hossain, Shahriar Liton, Ward 95 President Sirajul Islam, General Secretary Gias Uddin spoke, among others, in the event.