BNP leader calls for accountability of officials and political actors linked to electoral manipulation and long-standing repression

News Body:
Natore, July 4 – BNP central leader Advocate Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu has demanded legal action against all individuals involved in what he termed the “illegal election” of 2008, including former election commissioners and police officials. Speaking as the chief guest at a public rally organized by the nationalist farmers' front in Piprul Union, Naldanga Upazila of Natore on Friday afternoon, Dulu accused those responsible for overseeing the 2008 election of paving the way for electoral fraud and long-term political oppression.

Dulu alleged that the 2008 election, marked by manipulation and irregularities, was the entry point for the Awami League's rise to power. According to him, this led to a series of illegitimate elections that have kept the ruling party in power for the past 16 years, during which thousands of BNP activists were allegedly killed and countless others subjected to imprisonment and torture.

He further cited former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee’s autobiography as a source confirming the electoral interference in 2008, noting that the book describes how the BNP was deliberately defeated to ensure Awami League's return to power. Dulu insisted that accountability for election-related misconduct should not be limited to the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections, but must also include those involved in the 2008 polls as well as the masterminds behind the political changes during the 1/11 emergency period.

Highlighting the long-term impact of the political turmoil, the BNP leader said the acting chairman of BNP, Tarique Rahman, was subjected to mental and physical abuse while in remand under the emergency government. Dulu claimed it is this persecution that has forced Tarique Rahman to remain in exile to this day.

Rejecting the idea of proportional representation (PR) in elections, Dulu stated that the people of Bangladesh want the right to directly elect their preferred candidates. He emphasized that fair, direct voting is essential for restoring democracy.

He also referred to the 31-point reform agenda announced by Tarique Rahman, arguing that it contains all the necessary reforms for the state. Dulu called for urgent implementation of these reforms and proposed that a national election be held in the first week of February following those reforms.

Dulu criticized the ruling party and its affiliated organizations, saying that while they may struggle to dominate the political field, they continue to wage a coordinated campaign against the BNP through social media. He urged the public to stay alert to such conspiracies and not to forget the 16 years of repression allegedly carried out by the Awami League and its associates.

The rally, held at the playground of Shyamnagar Government Primary School, was presided over by union Krishak Dal president Shahjahan Ali. Other speakers included Dulu’s wife and former district BNP vice-president Sabina Yasmin Chhobi, district Mohila Dal president Sufia Haque, former Natore municipal mayor and BNP member Kazi Shah Alam, Nasim Uddin Nasim, district Jubo Dal president A. Hai Talukder Dalim, district Krishak Dal convener Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal, and member secretary Hasan Ali.

The gathering drew participation from party activists and local residents, many of whom expressed concern over ongoing political instability and voiced support for immediate reforms and transparent electoral processes.