Salahuddin terms Mujib ‘self-declared President’, Hasina ‘bearer of Baksal ideology’
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday described Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as a ‘self-declared president’ and Sheikh Hasina as a ‘fascist ruler inspired by Baksal ideology’.
Speaking at a discussion organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal in the city marking the November 7 ‘Revolution and Solidarity Day’, Salahuddin said the day symbolises the nation’s restoration of freedom and democracy.
“After the Liberation War, November 7 was the most significant day in our national history. When all democratic avenues were blocked, the nation found a solution through bloodshed as it did during the July uprising,” he said.
Defending his remark, the BNP leader said Sheikh Mujib amended the Constitution in only 13 minutes to establish one-party rule under Baksal and declared himself president without any election.
“Staying in power without election is the hallmark of Awami-style democracy. From Sheikh Mujib to Sheikh Hasina that has been their way. Democracy does not exist in their blood, in their ideology, or in their DNA,” he alleged.
Citing the 1983 compilation of the documents of independence by poet Hasan Hafizur Rahman, Salahuddin claimed historical records show that the declaration of independence came through Ziaur Rahman, not Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
He said, “…on March 26, announced the country’s independence from Chittagong’s Sholoshahar area as the provisional chief of state.”
Referring to writings by Tajuddin Ahmad’s family members, he added, “Tajuddin went to Mujib that night with a tape recorder, but Sheikh Mujib refused to give any declaration. Yet, the April 10 proclamation states Mujib had ‘formally declared’ independence — how is that possible?”
“The way Awami League manipulated the declaration issue shows that its politics is built on lies,” he said.
Salahuddin, however, acknowledged Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as a national leader and credited his contribution during the Liberation War, saying his post-independence actions must also be part of the discussion.
“The nation expected freedom, rights, and democracy from Sheikh Mujib, but he buried democracy with his own hands. Sheikh Hasina has done the same,” the BNP leader said.
He said, “At least Sheikh Mujib amended the Constitution before forming Baksal, but Sheikh Hasina has imposed fascism under the guise of democracy.”
Turning to Awami League’s November 13 ‘lockdown’ programme, Salahuddin said BNP will resist it, adding, “Awami League has lost its sanity. If people really supported their calls, why were they driven out of the country on August 5 last year?”
He claimed the ruling party called the lockdown centering the verdict in a case involving Sheikh Hasina. “If you have courage, come back to the country and face trial in court,” Salahuddin challenged.