Global, regional powers trying to expand influence in Bangladesh: Salahuddin
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday warned that Bangladesh is facing growing external pressure, with a global superpower and two regional powers reportedly trying to extend their influence in the country.
“Right now, three powers are competing to establish hegemony here — two regional powers and one global superpower. Each has its own interests, but all three will harm Bangladesh’s interests in the same way,” he said.
The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a discussion organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal at Dhaka University’s TSC auditorium, marking the sixth death anniversary of BUET student Abrar Fahad.
Salahuddin described Abrar as a ‘strong voice against domination’, saying he became a martyr because he spoke out against Indian hegemony.
“If he (Abrar) had criticised Sheikh Hasina, he might have gone to jail. But because he spoke against Indian aggression, he lost his life — that is the lesson from his killing,” the BNP leader said.
He said Bangladesh’s political struggles — from the Liberation War of 1971 to the 2024 mass uprising — are part of the same journey.
“The foundation of the 2024 uprising was built with the blood of martyrs like Abrar. More than 422 students, youths and BNP activists have sacrificed their lives. This movement is not only political; it is a fight to protect Bangladesh’s sovereignty,” he said.
Salahuddin said the BNP has adopted the policy of ‘Bangladesh First’ to protect the country’s interests above all. “This is not just a slogan — it is our state philosophy. In foreign policy, international agreements or political decisions, this will be our guiding principle,” he added.
Calling for unity, the BNP leader said that since the Liberation War many people had sacrificed their lives for freedom and people’s rights, and that it is now time to unite so that no more lives would have to be lost for freedom.
“We do not want to see new sacrifices for it. But if democracy and independence are threatened again, we are ready to give our lives. Still, we must stay united so that such a situation never arises,” Salahuddin said.
He also blamed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for allowing foreign powers to interfere in Bangladesh’s politics. “Because of a subservient leader like Hasina, global and regional powers have been able to exercise political influence and aggression in our country.
The BNP leader urged young people to prepare themselves with knowledge, patriotism and integrity to build the future of Bangladesh. “We want our student organisations to be led by talented, thoughtful and patriotic youths who can defend the country’s interests through knowledge, ideas and technology.”
He said politics should be a field of healthy competition based on merit, honesty and good leadership