Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will politically counter the Awami League, whose activities are currently banned, said BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy. He clarified that this does not mean the BNP will engage in physical clashes with the party.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists on Tuesday (September 29), after paying respects at the graves of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia along with party leaders and activists.

Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said, “Through the fall on August 5, 2024, we were able to drive the autocratic rule out of this country. Some may say that she left voluntarily. But she did not leave voluntarily for so long. She had to leave in the face of the movement and the tide of the people.” He added that although many members of the Awami League have left, some people who still carry its character remain.

He said signs of their activities are occasionally visible. Attempts are being made to create unrest in public life and obstruct the country’s democratic progress. In some places, incidents such as exploding cocktails and bombs in the early hours of the morning are taking place.

Reassuring people across the country, the senior BNP leader said activists at all levels of the nationalist party are standing with the people. The country’s democratic progress will not be allowed to be disrupted under any circumstances, he said, adding that such a situation would not be allowed to develop.

Referring to the administration’s responsibility to ensure public safety, Gayeshwar said those secretly engaged in various activities and acts of sabotage must be identified, brought under the law and put on trial. Everyone must remain vigilant to ensure public safety, he added.

Gayeshwar said the goals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman—multiparty democracy, independence and sovereignty—are now beginning to be restored.