'BNP's position is very clear': Moyeen Khan weighs in on Awami League's return

BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan has said his party believes in multi-party democracy and does not support “one-party rule” amid questions over the possible return of the Awami League to active politics.

He made the remarks on Tuesday morning after placing wreaths at the graves of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia at Dhaka's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

Responding to a question from reporters about Awami League offices reopening in different areas and allegations that individuals accused of mass killings were returning to the country, Moyeen said the BNP’s position was “very clear”.

“BNP does not believe in the one-party BAKSAL-style rule that the Awami League imposed on Bangladesh. BNP believes in the power of the people,” he said.

He added that the party supported multi-party and parliamentary democracy and would continue to pursue that path.

“Our party is a liberal political party. We do politics with everyone and do not believe in the politics of revenge,” Moyeen said, adding that BNP acting chairperson and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had repeatedly emphasised adherence to the rule of law.

Referring to the 1971 Liberation War, Moyeen said the BNP upheld the ideals of independence and democracy, and would work to “safeguard both democracy and independence”.

Several BNP lawmakers from Narsingdi, including Khairul Kabir Khokon, Manzur Elahi and Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain, joined Moyeen during the visit to the mausoleum.

Moyeen said they had gone to offer prayers for the late leaders and reaffirm their commitment to the party’s founding principles.

He also said the people of Narsingdi had elected five BNP representatives to parliament, describing it as a sign of public support for the party’s leadership.