Rajshahi, Nov 22 (V7N) – BNP’s nominated candidate for the Paba–Mohonpur constituency, Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon, has accused the former government of widespread political repression, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and fabricated cases against opposition activists.

Speaking as chief guest at an election workers’ meeting for Ward 7 and Ward 9 of Durgail Union, held at Mohabbatpur High School field in Mohonpur on Friday, Milon claimed that under the previous administration, 20,000 BNP activists were killed, 1,700 were forcibly disappeared, and nearly 500,000 false and politically motivated cases were filed against 6 million opposition activists. He alleged that thousands were forced to flee their homes, business owners were unable to operate, students’ education was disrupted, and educators’ ethics were compromised.

He referred to the recent death sentence handed down to the former “fugitive” prime minister as a reflection of the consequences of long-standing injustice.

Milon said that true democracy requires elections that empower citizens, and politicians must remain accountable to the people. He stated that BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia has always upheld this principle, and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman also carries this belief at the core of his politics.

He added that BNP founder President Ziaur Rahman understood the need for democratic leadership, and the current political environment—after 17 years—finally allows citizens to choose their own representatives. He asserted that the BNP is participating in the upcoming election as the people’s party and a trusted force in national politics.

Milon emphasized that the Dhaner Shish symbol represents unity and the will of the people, not just a candidate. He said that those who carry this symbol are under the watch of both Allah and the nation’s citizens. He reminded the audience that the BNP had been elected to govern four times and that Begum Zia had once contested from 23 constituencies and won all of them. The BNP, he said, had never been a fascist party and would not allow fascism to return.

He pledged that if the BNP returns to power, it will eliminate extortion, protect farmers from syndicates, build a drug-free Bangladesh, address unemployment and ensure women’s empowerment. He promised to introduce family cards for women, farmer cards for agricultural workers, and expand infrastructure development including roads, educational institutions and religious establishments.

Milon urged the public to support the Dhaner Shish symbol, stating that BNP does not seek to contest elections alone but wants all parties to participate. He described Begum Zia as a leader who sacrificed more than anyone—losing her home, her children and enduring multiple attempts on her life. He called on the people of Paba–Mohonpur to stand with the BNP and protect the Dhaner Shish .

The meeting was presided over by Abdul Matin, President of Ward 7 BNP, and conducted jointly by Abdur Rahim, General Secretary of Ward 7 BNP, and Ruhul Amin, General Secretary of Ward 9 BNP.

Among those present as speakers were Mohonpur Upazila BNP President Shamimul Islam (Mun), General Secretary Mahbubur Rashid, former organizational secretary Kazim Uddin Sarkar, current organizational secretary Bachchu Rahman, Durgail Union BNP President Elias Hossain, organizational secretary Aminul Islam, Ward 9 BNP President Abdus Salam, former Keshorhat Municipal BNP General Secretary Khusbur Rahman, Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal member secretary Abdul Karim Mondol, former organizational secretary of Keshorhat Municipal BNP Osman Ali, Upazila BNP member Khairul Islam Master, former BMDA Sramik Dal finance secretary Nuh Alam and former Mohonpur Thana Chhatra Dal convener Abdul Razzak.

Leaders and activists of BNP, along with its front and associate organizations from Ward 7 and Ward 9, were also present.

END/MRA/SMA/