Speaking at a rally held at Shibbari intersection in Khulna city on Monday afternoon, Dudu said, “Sheikh Mujib took power after independence without being involved in the war. He was supposed to declare independence, but he was in Pakistan as a prisoner on that day.”

The event was organized to mark the 47th founding anniversary of the BNP, as part of a six-day program by the party’s Khulna city and district units. While a post-rally procession had been planned, it was cancelled to avoid public inconvenience. Party members later cleaned up the rally venue.

Dudu praised Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, calling him the one who “declared independence on March 26”, and “led the war by leaving behind his wife and children.”

He added, “Zia came to power on November 7 through the people’s and soldiers’ uprising and worked to establish Bangladesh as a modern state.”

Dudu, during his speech, made several controversial remarks regarding the political history of the 1970s, including comparing the current government’s actions to that of past regimes. He accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of persecuting BNP activists and claimed that thousands had been killed under her leadership.

“Sheikh Hasina has oppressed this party—about 10,000 people have been killed,” he claimed, further alleging, “Between 1972 and 1975, Sheikh Mujib was responsible for the deaths of 40,000–50,000 people and for suppressing democracy through the introduction of BAKSAL.”

These claims, however, are highly disputed by historians and political analysts and reflect the BNP’s longstanding political narrative.

Turning to the upcoming national elections, Dudu stated, “The election will take place by February. No force can stop it. The people of Bangladesh will vote freely and elect representatives of their choice.”

The rally was chaired by Khulna Metropolitan BNP President Advocate SM Shafiqul Alam Mana and addressed by several other party leaders, including Azizul Bari Helal, BNP Information Secretary, Jayanta Kumar Kundu, Special Co-Organizing Secretary, Moniruzzaman Montu, District BNP Convener, Shafiqul Alam Tuhin, Metropolitan General Secretary, Advocate Momrezul Islam, Rehena Isa, Syeda Nargis Ali, Advocate Taslima Khatun Chanda, among others.

The father of Shakib Raihan, who was killed during the July Uprising, and several leaders from Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and JASAS also spoke here.

Earlier in the day, BNP flags were hoisted at all party offices under the city and district units.

Meanwhile, around 3:30 PM, a separate rally was held by the Manju-led faction of Khulna BNP in front of the Sonadanga Thana BNP office. The event included special prayers and a discussion, led by former MP Nazrul Islam Manju, who called for remembrance of Ziaur Rahman and other party martyrs. This group has announced a three-day program to mark the party’s founding anniversary.