BNP leader Abdus Salam said the fall of the Awami League occurred because Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina never truly believed in democracy. He claimed the BNP has gained public trust through years of protest and political struggle. Salam also accused the government of attempting to assassinate Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman. “Even after the fall of Sheikh Hasina on August 5, BNP has shown patience because it believes in democracy,” he added. He alleged that BNP leaders and activists were subjected to severe repression under the AL regime.