Those who have doubts about the election are the forces against democracy, said BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed.
"They are not on the side of the people of Bangladesh either. Perhaps, for some reason, they are expressing their views in a roundabout way to delay, disrupt or prevent the elections. However, people of Bangladesh are earnest and united on this issue," he said.
Salahuddin made the remarks on Saturday afternoon, while speaking as the chief guest at a milad organised by the Jubo Dal at Naya Paltan in the capital.
The event was held on the occasion of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's 81st birthday.
"The people of the country are firmly determined to uphold democracy and exercise their right to vote. They will stand against anyone wanting to halt the path toward democracy presenting ill-founded arguments. People are prepared to overcome any impediment to democratic transition even in the future."
Calling on political parties, Salahuddin said, "Political parties should also come together ahead of the upcoming election, like they did during the anti-fascist uprising. Let us engage in collective dialogue with the goal of holding a free and peaceful election, and thereby facilitate a smooth democratic transition."
A country that has a leader like Khaleda Zia can never lose its way, he said, adding that she embraced captivity with her two young children during the Liberation War.
"After the martyrdom of Ziaur Rahman, she led a nine-year-long movement against an autocratic regime, earning the title of an uncompromising national leader. She reestablished democracy in the country and introduced the provision for a non-partisan caretaker government in the constitution. Even today, she lives as a guiding light for the people of this nation."
The event was chaired by the Jubo Dal General Secretary Nurul Islam.
Former convenor of Dhaka city north BNP Saiful Alam Nirob, Joint General Secretary Rezaul Kabir, Member Secretary of city north Sajjadul Miraj, Member Secretary of city south Robiul Islam Nayan, along with leaders from various levels of the party were also present.
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