“Exploiting Religion and Liberation War Threatens National Safety”

Abdus Salam Azad, the Joint Secretary General of Bangladesh’s opposition party BNP, has warned that the nation and its people can never be truly safe under leaders who exploit religion and the country’s Liberation War for political gain.

Speaking on Friday afternoon at a public prayer gathering held at the government-run Louhajong University College grounds, Azad addressed the implementation of the 31-point state reform programme announced by BNP leader Tarique Rahman and prayed for the speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Azad emphasised that the period under BNP governance was the safest time in the country’s history. He argued that minority communities cannot be secure in an environment where religion is politicised, asserting that under BNP rule, all citizens were protected. “The nation has been safe in the past, remains so today, and will continue to be secure in the future,” he added.

Highlighting the sacrifices made during BNP-led movements, he stated that countless party members and ordinary citizens earned the honour of martyrdom, particularly during the July protests, which he described as a source of national pride beyond just family recognition. Plans are in place to commemorate these heroes through various initiatives.

Azad also recalled the role of the late Ziaur Rahman in establishing multi-party democracy in Bangladesh, noting that the Awami League later conspired against him once given the opportunity. He cautioned that parties historically opposing the country’s independence could repeat such actions if allowed. He urged voters to identify such parties and hold them accountable through the ballot box.

The event, presided over by Upazila Jubo Dal convener Haji Mukhtar Hossain Khan, featured speeches from senior BNP leaders and veteran freedom fighters, who collectively called for the nation’s prayers for Khaleda Zia’s swift recovery.