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Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has alleged that one “global power” and two regional powers are currently attempting to expand their influence in Bangladesh.
Speaking at a discussion marking the sixth death anniversary of BUET student Abrar Fahad at Dhaka University’s TSC auditorium on Tuesday, Salahuddin said, “Right now, three forces are trying to establish dominance in our country—two regional powers, who are also global players, and one global hegemon. Each has its own interest, but all three threaten our country’s national interest.”
The event, titled “From Expression to Death: The Spread and Resistance of Fascism in Educational Institutions,” was organized by the BNP’s student wing, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), to commemorate Abrar Fahad, who was beaten to death by Chhatra League activists in 2019 for his Facebook post criticizing India’s influence in Bangladesh.
Salahuddin described Abrar as “a courageous voice against hegemony,” saying, “Abrar was martyred because he spoke out against Indian dominance. If someone criticizes Sheikh Hasina, they may be jailed, but if they oppose Indian aggression, they are killed. That is the lesson from Abrar’s murder.”
Drawing parallels between Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War and the 2024 mass uprising, Salahuddin said, “The blood of martyrs like Abrar and over 422 student, youth, and BNP activists has laid the foundation for today’s struggle. This is not just a partisan movement—it is a fight to defend Bangladesh’s sovereignty.”
The senior BNP policymaker reiterated that the party’s guiding principle is “Bangladesh First.” He said, “This is not merely a slogan; it is our philosophy of statehood. Every foreign policy, international agreement, or political decision must be measured by this principle.”
Calling on students to prepare intellectually and patriotically for shaping the country’s future, Salahuddin said, “We want student organizations led by the meritorious—those who will defend national interests through knowledge, ideas, and technology. If students are trained in patriotism and theory from the start, they will become the strongest foundation for Bangladesh’s sovereignty.”
He urged unity among all pro-democracy forces, saying, “Countless people have shed blood for our independence since the Liberation War. We must now unite so that no more blood is spilled in the name of freedom.”
“We do not want new sacrifices at the altar of liberation. But if democracy and independence are threatened again, we are ready to give our lives. Still, we must remain united to ensure such a day never comes,” he added.
The discussion was chaired by JCD President Rakibul Islam, who accused the government of “brutally repressing” dissenting voices under Sheikh Hasina’s rule. He said, “We remember our martyred brothers with respect and pledge to build a new Bangladesh inspired by their sacrifices.”
Addressing Islami Chhatra Shibir, the JCD president said, “As long as remembering Abrar remains necessary, we will hold this commemoration and stay on the streets. Our movement will continue until every murder is tried. The JCD stands firmly against this hypocrisy and underground politics.”
The event was conducted by JCD Senior Joint Secretary Shyamal Malum and attended by several central and Dhaka-based JCD leaders, including Senior Vice-President Abu Afsan Mohammad Yahia, Organizing Secretary Amanullah Aman, and Dhaka University unit President Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas.
