Everyone will reject the illegitimate ones: Khasru blames AL govt for BRICS' denial to Bangladesh

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru said BRICS' refusal to grant membership to Bangladesh serves as evidence that those without legitimacy face widespread rejection.

"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accompanied by her family, visited South Africa using taxpayers' money in pursuit of membership within BRICS. But did she achieve it?" Amir Khasru posed this question to the gathering in front of Shyamoli Ring Road in the capital on Friday (25 August).

Addressing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Amir Khasru said, "You (PM Sheikh Hasina's) will be rejected by everyone as the illegitimate ones encounter rejection everywhere." 

He made this statement during a brief rally preceding the black flag procession organised by Dhaka Metropolitan North BNP. 

Addressing the rally, another BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas said, "The actions of the Awami League government have resulted in more plundering than what British rulers and Pakistanis ever extracted from this nation. These perpetrators lack any trace of patriotism within them."

"Today, individuals with limited education are wielding power, using salaries funded by the public's money, to target opposition leaders and activists. These individuals are masquerading as agents of justice while engaging in a charade. They're subjecting opposition members to beatings and even death within prison walls. This group of inadequately educated individuals is driving our country toward disaster. Their allegiance lies not with our nation, but with the pursuit of wealth," he added.

Mirza Abbas further added, "When I stood up against the Pakistanis for our freedom, they unleashed gunfire upon Bengalis and assaulted us with batons. Today, the gunfire continues. Now it's the police playing this role. Firing upon their own fellow countrymen."

He continued, "We've been protesting against the persistent rise in the prices of essential commodities, as well as oil, gas, and electricity. But the government refuses to listen. Presently, a single egg costs Tk15. Their corruption has eroded the value of our currency. Individuals who placed their funds in banks are now receiving 14% less in returns due to this mismanagement. Today, even the electricity cards are being manipulated to siphon off hundreds of crores of takas. It's theft in every instance. If this administration isn't ousted, our citizens will suffer dire consequences, and our hard-won independence and sovereignty will be jeopardised."

Abbas further highlighted the intrusion of foreign powers into the nation's political affairs. Without explicitly mentioning names, he cautioned, "A certain nation suggests that this government will be needed again. I want to convey this: cultivate alliances with our country's people, not its government. The people of our land no longer recognise the legitimacy of elections under this administration. The vision of a voteless election will not be allowed to materialise."

BNP brought out the procession to press home the party's demands for the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and hold the election under a non-partisan government.

The Dhaka south city unit of BNP also brought out another procession at 3pm from the party central office in Nayapaltan on the same demands.

Photo: Joynal Abedin Shishir

Apart from BNP, Ganatantra Mancha, 12-party alliance, Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote, LDP, Gonoforum and People's Party, Samamona Peshajibi Ganatantrik Jote, Gonotantrik Bam Oikya, Labour Party, NDM, Bangladesh Sadaran Chhatra Odhikar Sanrakshan Parishad, two factions of Gono Odhikar Parishad, AB Party, Janatar Odhikar Party and NDP observed the programme separately in different areas of the capital.

Meanwhile, additional members of law enforcement agencies have been deployed in the areas ahead of the rally. They are staying on alert to avoid any untoward incidents.

Earlier on 18 August, the BNP and like-minded parties brought mass processions in all metropolitan cities, including in the capital, to force the government to accept their demands.

In December last year, BNP and like-minded parties and alliances started a simultaneous movement based on their common objective of ousting the present government to pave the way for holding the next election under a non-party neutral government.