Attempting to Block Elections Will Invite Political Instability: Shamsuzzaman Dudu

BNP Vice-Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu has warned that any attempt to obstruct elections in Bangladesh will inevitably create political instability.

He further cautioned that such a situation would provide an opportunity for foreign hegemonic powers—those who do not wish well for Bangladesh—to exploit the crisis.

The BNP leader made these remarks on Friday, 12 September, while addressing as the chief guest at the representative conference organised by the Diploma Medical Association of Bangladesh (DIMAB), held at the National Press Club auditorium.

Dudu stated: “We are living through a suffocating time. The genocide of 1971 and the way the Awami League has suppressed democracy in 2024 are being linked together. A segment of sinister forces is working openly, while others remain in the shadows.”

Accusing the ruling quarters of orchestrating plots, he said: “Various conspiracies are under way to obstruct a free, fair, and acceptable election. The reason is clear: they know that if an election is held, BNP will perform well. Unable to accept this, they are creating obstacles.”

He urged political rivals to present their visions to the public: “We say—come forward, place your speeches, programmes, and plans before the people. Even launch PR campaigns if you wish. But elections must not be blocked. Preventing elections means creating instability, which is a threat to national security.”

Dudu strongly asserted that there is no alternative to elections in the pursuit of democracy: “For the last 16 years, BNP has been fighting on the streets. Many leaders and activists have sacrificed their lives; even students have become martyrs. The core objective of this movement is the fall of authoritarianism and the restoration of democracy. To bring back democracy, elections are indispensable.”

Criticising the government’s electoral record, Dudu remarked: “Sheikh Hasina has held three elections, but none were conducted properly. These were sham elections, staged to deny the will of the people.”

The conference, presided over by Shahidullah Siddiqui, Convener of DIMAB, was attended by several senior BNP figures and allied leaders.