Staff Correspondent:

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said that it has been established globally that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave direct orders for mass killings.

Speaking at a discussion titled “Role of Politicians in Ensuring Human Rights” held at the Jatiya Press Club, Salahuddin said: “Regarding the elections, the government must make it clear what it intends to do in front of the public. The longer the election process is prolonged, the more the ongoing issues will escalate.”

“The fascist mass killings-perpetrating leader Sheikh Hasina has yet to show any remorse,” he said.

He added: “I have never heard any leader of the Awami League admit responsibility for the mass killings and express remorse while participating in Bangladesh’s politics. It is shocking to think that when they speak, it feels like the common people, who led the mass uprising in Bangladesh, are the ones at fault.”

Salahuddin Ahmed called for a complete change in the political culture to free the nation from its current state.

He stressed the need to promote a political culture that would be accepted by the people of Bangladesh, one that fights against fascism, undemocratic politics, and any form of harmful cultural practices.

He also highlighted that ensuring the right to vote is a fundamental human right and should be a priority.

He noted that this right had been lost in the past, but now, there needs to be a classification of rights that will evolve over time, with more fundamental rights being added.

Salahuddin added that if human rights and fundamental rights are strengthened in the Constitution and applied through proper laws and institutions without interference from the administration, only then can human rights be fully realized.

Regarding the issue of commodity prices during Ramadan, Salahuddin urged the advisory and main advisory committees to focus on the poor and ensure that common people can buy essential items within their purchasing power. “Try to control commodity prices, or else people will criticize you,” he warned.