BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has claimed Sheikh Hasina’s escape to India is evidence of her true allegiance.

Speaking as the chief guest at biennial council of BNP’s Chakaria upazila unit in Cox’s Bazar on Saturday, Salahuddin described the event not just as a party gathering, but as a “conference for democracy.”

He declared that Awami League has reached the end of its political life in Bangladesh.

Referring to recent reports by the UN Human Rights Commission, Salahuddin alleged that Sheikh Hasina has been proven to be responsible for mass killings, saying, “Awami League and Hasina have lost the moral right to do politics in this country.”

Calling Awami League a “terrorist group” rather than a political party, he claimed they have been banned under anti-terror laws.

He also criticized those seeking public relations (PR) stunts, saying their intentions are different and urged them to come forward for dialogue.

Salahuddin described Sheikh Hasina as a fascist who has turned Bangladesh into a prison and reduced it to a submissive state.

“Even after 54 years of independence, democracy hasn’t flourished. Dummy elections have taken the country to the edge of destruction,” he said, expressing hope that upcoming elections would reflect the people’s true will.

Referring to the last 16 years of political struggle, he emphasized that institutions must be built through voting to secure people’s fundamental rights.

He promised a landmark election ahead, where BNP would build a Bangladesh that reflects the aspirations of youth and ensures equality.

“There is no democracy in Awami League’s DNA,” he added. “Hasina fleeing to India has made it clear which country she truly belongs to.”

The event was inaugurated by Cox’s Bazar district BNP president and former whip Shahjahan Chowdhury.

Chakaria upazila BNP convener Enamul Haque presided over the program, with member secretary M Mobarak Ali moderating.

Among the special guests were BNP National Executive Committee member and Chattogram divisional assistant organizing secretary Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin and former MP for Cox’s Bazar-1 Advocate Hasina Ahmed.

The keynote speech was delivered by district BNP general secretary and former public prosecutor Advocate Shamim Ara Swapna.

Other speakers included senior and local BNP leaders such as Abu Sufian, Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury Khokon Mia, Jamil Ibrahim Chowdhury, Bahadur Shah, Nurul Islam Haider, Advocate Fakhruddin Farooqi, Principal SM Manzur, Iqbal Hossain, Advocate Zakaria Liton, Advocate Syed Ahmad Uzzal, Rafiqul Islam Commissioner, Kutub Uddin Commissioner, M Abdur Rahim, Saiful Islam Sabu, Hafezatur Rahman Chowdhury Tipu, and Shafiullah Shafi, among others.

The council drew a large gathering of BNP activists and supporters, all calling for political change and a return to democratic governance.