BNP safeguards national sovereignty: Salahuddin

Senior BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday described the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as the guardian of nation’s sovereignty and democratic legacy, asserting that the country’s political foundation would not exist in its current form without the party’s contributions.

Speaking as the chief guest at a party membership drive held at Sylhet Shilpakala Academy, Salahuddin emphasized BNP’s historic role in establishing multi-party democracy, parliamentary system, and caretaker government structure in Bangladesh.

“BNP is not just a political party—it is the protector of Bangladesh’s freedom and sovereignty,” he declared. “The country’s independence is closely tied to the strength of BNP. A weakened BNP equates to a weakened Bangladesh.”

Positioning the party as embodiment of Bangladeshi nationalism, Salahuddin encouraged all citizens who identify with this ideology to join BNP. “Anyone who believes in the spirit of Bangladeshi nationalism can be part of our movement,” he said.

Addressing recent allegations that BNP was recruiting defectors from the Awami League, he dismissed the claims outright. “Are we in such dire straits that we need to bring in members from a party whose DNA is devoid of democratic values?” he asked. “BNP does not need to import democracy from those who’ve never upheld it.”

He also referred to what he called the “mass rejection” of the Awami League on August 5 last year, accusing the ruling party of oppressive rule and holding it responsible for what he labeled as one of the gravest human rights violations in the country’s history.

The event was presided over by BNP’s organizing secretary for Sylhet Division, GK Gaus, and conducted by assistant organizing secretary Miftah Siddiqui. Several other senior leaders addressed the gathering, including BNP National Executive Committee treasurer M Rasheduzzaman Millat, Chairperson’s advisers Dr. Enamul Haque Chowdhury, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, and MA Malik.