BNP leader Shama Obaid Islam Rinku has declared that the people of Bangladesh, under the leadership of Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman, have been fighting for democracy and voting rights for the past 17 years — and that this struggle will continue until those rights are fully restored.

Speaking at a discussion in Faridpur, Rinku said, “BNP is the only party in Bangladesh where democracy remains safe. Our movement will not stop until democracy and the people’s right to vote are firmly established.”

She sharply criticized former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, claiming that she fled the country in the face of student and public protests, leaving behind her party leaders and activists as well as MPs who were elected without votes.

Rinku further added that in her constituency of Faridpur-2, her late father KM Obaidur Rahman never abandoned the people, regardless of political affiliation or religion. “As his daughter, it is my responsibility to care for everyone, no matter what faith or party they belong to,” she said.