Bangladesh Islami Chhatrashibir Central President Nurul Islam Saddam has stated that Prime Minister's Political Assistant and BNP leader Rashed Khan's sole responsibility appears to be spreading negative remarks against Jamaat-e-Islami and Chhatrashibir.
He made these remarks on Friday afternoon (September 17/18) while responding to journalists' questions after attending a 'Newcomers' Reception and Career Guideline' program organized by the Begum Rokeya University Dhaka Chhatrashibir at the Rupkatha Theme Park Convention Center in Rangpur city.
The remarks came in response to queries regarding recent statements made by Rashed Khan earlier in the day in Rangpur concerning the 11-party alliance's long march and movement programs. Questioning the legitimacy of Khan's appointment, the Shibir president remarked that Khan was appointed under a special quota and would likely be unable to clearly define his actual responsibilities, aside from spinning positive or neutral developments regarding Jamaat and Shibir into negative narratives.
Addressing the opposition alliance's long march, Nurul Islam Saddam clarified that the program was not launched solely over the fuel crisis. He emphasized that the alliance's seven-point demand includes the immediate implementation of the public referendum verdict, curbing partisan appointments in public institutions such as administrations, city corporations, and universities, restoring law and order, controlling commodity prices, and creating a favorable business environment.
Expressing deep concern over ongoing murders, extrajudicial killings, and the deterioration of law and order, he stressed the urgency of establishing stability. He also criticized the delays in implementing the July referendum verdict and the July charter, while expressing dissatisfaction over the pace of Sheikh Hasina's trial proceedings.
Dismissing criticism regarding fuel consumption during the long march, the Shibir president termed such remarks as deliberate attempts to divert attention from the core movement, noting that opposition parties are executing their programs through self-funding with enthusiastic public participation.
Regarding Chhatrashibir's stance on the BNP, Saddam stated that their position on structural state reforms—the core demand of the July student-mass uprising—has been consistent from the beginning, accusing the BNP of foot-dragging on reform implementation. He confirmed that Chhatrashibir extends its full support to the 11-party opposition coalition's programs and will remain alongside them to the best of their capacity.
Responding to Rashed Khan's claim that the government is already fulfilling the opposition's seven-point demands, Saddam retorted that the long march would not have been necessary had those demands actually been met. Furthermore, he alleged a prior understanding between the BNP and Awami League ahead of elections, claiming the BNP benefited through such cooperation.
Reiterating their firm stance, the Chhatrashibir president asserted that their position on structural state reforms remains unchanged and their protests will continue until their demands are met.
Central Student Welfare Secretary Rezaul Karim Shakil and Begum Rokeya University Shibir President Rakib Murad, among other leaders, were present at the event.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Farhaduzzaman Faruk, Rangpur Bureau • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
