TDS Desk:

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has said that if the party comes to power through the people’s mandate, its first priority will be to eliminate the culture of enforced disappearances.

Speaking at a discussion marking International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances on Friday at Bangla Academy organized by “Mayer Dak,” Salahuddin said, “If the people give us a mandate, Insha’Allah, we will take every step necessary — including enacting new laws and ensuring their enforcement — to eradicate enforced disappearances. We are waiting for a Bangladesh where no one will ever have to stand on the streets searching for loved ones.”

Citing statistics, Salahuddin claimed that since 2009, around 1,850 people have been victims of enforced disappearance, of whom 350 are still missing.

“We will work to ensure that no one has to hold up photographs of missing relatives on the roadside,” he added.

He alleged that the “fascist Awami League government resorted to enforced disappearances and killings to cling to power indefinitely.”

On the election roadmap, Salahuddin said: “A vested quarter is trying to create division among political parties. They are opposing the election roadmap announced by the commission and have already started conspiring, claiming that a fair election is not possible under this plan.”

He emphasised that a genuinely elected government would foster accountability.

“When public representatives are chosen through fair elections, a culture of accountability will emerge. That is why we urge everyone to remain united for the welfare of the country and its people,” he said.