Teknaf, July 6 (V7N) – Former MP and BNP Central Executive Committee member Shahjahan Chowdhury recounted a historic meeting with Bangladesh’s late President Ziaur Rahman during his early political career, emphasizing the foundational values and vision of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) at a voter outreach event in Teknaf.

Speaking at an exchange meeting organized by the northern unit of Hnila Union BNP under Teknaf upazila, Shahjahan Chowdhury recalled, “At the age of 26, while serving as a Union Parishad Chairman, I had the opportunity to meet with President Ziaur Rahman. During that meeting, I proposed the formation of a political party. He smiled but remained silent. Later, I learned that others across the country had made similar proposals. Respecting the will of the people, he eventually formed the BNP and led the country through free and fair elections.”

He noted that he was the first convener of the BNP in Ukhiya, describing the party as rooted in Ziaur Rahman’s commitment to patriotism and public service.

Shahjahan described President Zia as a symbol of integrity. As an example, he cited an incident where Zia returned a 24,000 taka land plot in Savar after paying just 4,000 in advance but failing to arrange the remaining amount, a rare act of political honesty. “Anyone truly following his ideals would never engage in corruption or oppression,” he said.

Reflecting on the violence in Teknaf over the past 17 years, Shahjahan alleged that more than 300 people had been killed in staged encounters in exchange for money. “Where were the local representatives – the chairmen, members, and the MP – when these murders were happening? If they were truly guilty, they should have been prosecuted under the law,” he said. He added that during his four terms as an MP, he never oppressed anyone, and challenged anyone to prove otherwise, vowing to leave politics if they did.

Shahjahan called for justice, stating, “If BNP returns to power, we will seek accountability for each of these killings, God willing.”

He criticized the short-lived profits of yaba (methamphetamine) trade, stating, “Illegal money never lasts.” He pledged to reinstate the legal trade opportunities he had once established in the border region, arguing that access to lawful business would discourage illegal activities.

Addressing the youth, he proposed introducing military-style training in local schools, colleges, and madrasas of Ukhiya and Teknaf. “As residents of a sensitive border area, our youth should be ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the army, BGB, and police in defending national interests,” he said.

He also promised to build one sports ground in every union of the two upazilas, and two mini stadiums — one in Ukhiya and one in Teknaf — if his party is returned to power.

The event was held on Saturday, July 5, in the hall room of Hnila Ali Ashia High School. It was presided over by union BNP president Haji Ferdous Ahmed and conducted by Teknaf Upazila Jubo Dal organizing secretary Junayed Ali Chowdhury.

Speakers at the meeting included Teknaf BNP president Advocate Hasan Siddique, general secretary Shahadat Hossain, and Jubo Dal general secretary Mohammad Kaiyum, among other leaders from BNP and its affiliated organizations.

The gathering saw significant attendance from first-time young voters, party activists, and local journalists.

END/SIU/SMA/