Former BNP central joint secretary general Professor Aslam Chowdhury said there is no opportunity to become a public representative without the people’s votes. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon at a public reception and rally at LK Siddiqui Square in Sitakunda municipality, Chattogram, marking two years since his release after a lengthy imprisonment.

Chowdhury said a case filed against him by an opposing candidate had been withdrawn but was later revived under what he described as mysterious circumstances. He alleged that funds had come from an unspecified source for the case to be recalled, but did not name any individuals or identify the source of the money.

The BNP leader also spoke about business debts, family difficulties and financial strain during his imprisonment, referring to an old social-media post by his daughter. He recalled the Sitakunda movement of 2013 and said he tried to support leaders and activists of opposition political parties after his second arrest in 2016. After the event, activists held a procession from LK Siddiqui Square through Sitakunda’s main road, ending at Uttar Bazar.