DHAKA, May 21 (V7N) – Dr. Abdul Moin Khan, a Standing Committee member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), today called for national unity and strongly criticized the ruling party on issues of press freedom and democracy. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled 'Martyr Zia in Multi-Party Democracy and Freedom of the Press' at the National Press Club on Wednesday, Dr. Khan emphasized the critical need for all citizens to unite for the welfare of Bangladesh.

"I am warning everyone, everyone must unite for the sake of Bangladesh," Dr. Khan stated, adding, "The most important thing in Bangladesh now is that we all remain united for the sake of the country. We have to work together for the welfare of the country. I am not talking about Baksal, there will be diversity in unity."

Dr. Khan drew a sharp contrast between past administrations, asserting that "Sheikh Mujib created the grave of the newspaper by establishing Baksal, and martyr President Ziaur Rahman freed it." He further claimed that Ziaur Rahman, despite his military background, restored democracy to Bangladesh, while the Awami League, "despite being a party of the people, did the opposite, established dictatorship in the country."

The BNP leader issued a stern warning against those who had previously "stifled the press before August 5" from returning to power. He stressed that the changes brought about by the "July Revolution" must ensure the restoration of press freedom in Bangladesh, otherwise, he commented, "the revolution has failed."

Addressing the current political climate, Dr. Khan insisted that "elections and reforms should be carried out together, not before or after," urging the interim government to acknowledge this truth. He also called for a strong rebuttal against those who slander the BNP or suggest that the BNP and Awami League are indistinguishable.

Regarding the recent quota movement, which he noted has evolved into a public demand, Dr. Khan commented that the students involved "must be made to understand this."

BNP Vice Chairman Barkat Ullah Bulu also spoke as a special guest at the event.

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