BNP National Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said Bangladesh’s democracy has been freed and people have regained their ownership. Speaking at an election campaign rally in Surajpur-Manikpur Union of Chakaria on January 23, he called on citizens to exercise their voting rights freely on February 12 to strengthen democracy. He warned that fascism must never return and that the rise of undemocratic forces would bring consequences for all.

Ahmed stated that the BNP has long struggled to establish voting rights for the people and remains committed to building a strong democratic Bangladesh in line with the aspirations of martyrs, students, and citizens. He described BNP as the driving force behind the country’s development, progress, and prosperity, urging voters to support the party’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, in the upcoming election.

Later that day, at another rally in Baraithali Union, he criticized the Awami League, calling it a “mafia party” and a force against Bangladesh, and emphasized the importance of farmers and the poor for national strength.