Dhaka //

Ruhul Quddus Talukdar Dulu, an advisor to the BNP Chairperson and a Whip of the National Parliament, stated that those injured and persecuted during the July movement are ready to welcome Sheikh Hasina should she return to Bangladesh. He added that the “July warriors”—those left maimed or blinded—are waiting to welcome her.

He made these remarks on Tuesday while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion meeting held at the National Press Club to mark the BNP’s 48th founding anniversary. The event was organized by the Nationalist Cultural Party (Jatiyotabadi Sanskritik Dal) and presided over by its president, Humayun Kabir Bepari.

Regarding Sheikh Hasina’s potential return, Dulu said, “I recently heard her say in a statement that she would come to Bangladesh in December. By announcing this, she essentially intends to intimidate the people of the country. She needs to understand that the people are not afraid; rather, the ‘July warriors’—those maimed or blinded—are waiting to welcome her.”

He further added, “Whether she arrives via the Sona Masjid border, the airport, or Benapole, the oppressed and persecuted will be ready to welcome her.”

Dulu asserted that various sectors, including the country’s politics and economy, had suffered damage during her long tenure in power. He also claimed that countless people were killed or subjected to enforced disappearance, while many others were left maimed, while participating in movements against Sheikh Hasina.

The BNP leader also addressed the country’s gas, electricity, and fuel crises. He noted that the current government is making its utmost effort to resolve these issues. However, he pointed out that the crisis did not emerge overnight; it developed gradually over an 18-year period of governance. Consequently, a solution cannot be reached within three or six months; time is required.

Addressing the opposition, Dulu stated that the electricity, gas, and fuel crises cannot be resolved through agitation or protests; instead, constructive advice is needed. He expressed his expectation that the opposition would demonstrate responsible behavior.

Highlighting the importance of the BNP, Dulu remarked that without the party, he would not have become “Dulu.” He acknowledged the BNP’s contribution to the respect, recognition, and positions—such as Whip and Minister—that he has attained. Noting that both the BNP and his own political career span 48 years, he described the party as a ‘banyan tree’ (a symbol of deep-rooted strength and shelter).

He stated that the contribution of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman was paramount and expressed his gratitude to him for this contribution.

Cultural personality and freedom fighter Babul Ahmed and BNP Central Committee member Kazi Rafiq spoke at the meeting as special guests. Others who addressed the gathering included writer and journalist Kalam Fayezi; Syed Mozammel Hossain Shahin, President of Muktijuddher Projonmo; Humayun Kabir, former President of Jatiyotabadi Muktijuddher Projonmo; Engineer Shoaib Qureshi; and SM Kamar Uddin.

At the conclusion of the meeting, writer Kalam Fayezi presented a copy of his book, *Bir Rashtranayak Ziaur Rahman* (Heroic Statesman Ziaur Rahman), to the chief guest, Ruhul Quddus Talukdar Dulu.

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