Believing Hasina was ousted in weeks of movement is living in a fool’s paradise: Abdul Awal Mintoo

BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo has said anyone who believes former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted by a one- or one-and-a-half-month movement is “living in a fools’ paradise”.

BNP leaders and activists had fought what he called the “fascist Hasina government” for 16 years, enduring disappearances, killings, and imprisonment, he said while speaking at an event as the chief guest in Barishal city on Monday.

Barishal City BNP Unit organised the discussion, marking the 89th birth anniversary of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman.

Describing Ziaur Rahman as the founder of the multi-party democracy in Bangladesh, Mintoo said that it is Ziaur Rahman who had restored freedom of speech in the country.

Whenever democracy was snatched away in this country, the BNP, founded by the martyred President Ziaur Rahman, fought to restore it, he added.

For transitioning to democracy, the BNP leader emphasised, there is no alternative to a fair, neutral and acceptable parliamentary election.

Barishal City BNP Convener Moniruzzaman Khan presided over the discussion with Central Assistant Organizing Secretary Akon Kuddusur Rahman in attendance as the special guest.

The party’s Central Committee Member Abu Naser Mohammad Rahmatullah, Barishal City BNP Joint Convener Afroza Khanam and Member Secretary Zia Uddin Sikder were also present.

The event concluded with prayers seeking the forgiveness of the departed soul of BNP founder and martyred President Ziaur Rahman.