BNP leader Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain has warned that threats to block elections indicate an ominous return to authoritarianism. Speaking after paying tribute to former President Ziaur Rahman with newly elected Doctors’ Association of Bangladesh (DAB) leaders, Zahid said, “Intimidation cannot suppress the journey towards elections. Those who threaten to prevent polls do not care about the people’s will.” He reminded that the fall of the Awami League government came through a united student and public movement, not through the agitation of a single group.