Mujib ‘self-proclaimed president,’ Hasina extends BAKSAL ideology: Salahuddin

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday described Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as a “self-declared president” and Sheikh Hasina as a “fascist ruler inspired by BAKSAL ideology.”

Speaking at a discussion organized by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) in Dhaka to mark Revolution and Solidarity Day on November 7, Salahuddin said the day symbolizes nation’s restoration of freedom and democracy after post-independence political crisis.

“After the Liberation War, November 7 became one of the most significant days in our national history. When all democratic avenues were shut, people found a way forward through sacrifice — as they did again during the July Uprising,” he said.

Defending his remarks, the BNP leader alleged that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman amended the Constitution “in only 13 minutes” to establish one-party rule under BAKSAL and declared himself president without any election.

“Staying in power without elections is the hallmark of Awami-style democracy. From Sheikh Mujib to Sheikh Hasina — that has always been their pattern. Democracy does not exist in their ideology, their thought, or even in their DNA,” he claimed.

Referring to the Documents of Independence compiled by poet Hasan Hafizur Rahman in 1983, Salahuddin claimed historical records show that the declaration of independence came through Ziaur Rahman, not Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

He said, “On March 26, Ziaur Rahman announced the country’s independence from Chittagong’s Sholoshahar area as the provisional chief of state.”

Citing writings by family members of Tajuddin Ahmad, he added, “Tajuddin went to Sheikh Mujib that night with a tape recorder, but Mujib refused to give any declaration. Yet, the April 10 proclamation states that Mujib had ‘formally declared’ independence — how is that possible?”

“The way Awami League manipulated the declaration issue shows that its politics is built on deception,” Salahuddin alleged.

However, the BNP leader acknowledged Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as a national figure and credited his leadership during the Liberation War, adding that his post-independence actions should also be part of historical scrutiny.

“The nation expected freedom, rights, and democracy from Sheikh Mujib, but he buried democracy with his own hands. Sheikh Hasina has followed the same path,” Salahuddin said.

“At least Sheikh Mujib amended the Constitution before forming BAKSAL, but Sheikh Hasina has imposed fascism under the guise of democracy,” he added.

Turning to Awami League’s November 13 ‘lockdown’ programme, Salahuddin said BNP would resist it. “Awami League has lost its sanity. If people really supported their calls, why were they driven out of the country on August 5 last year?” he asked.

He claimed the ruling party announced the lockdown in connection with a court verdict involving Sheikh Hasina. “If you have courage, come back and face trial in court,” he challenged.