BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu addressed a public rally in front of Jatiya Press Club in the capital today. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, April 19, 2025 (BSS) - BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu has said India cannot claim itself as a democratic state as it has given shelter to a fascist.

“We consider India as a friendly country. But India does not consider Bangladesh a friendly country. It is very difficult to say that India is a friendly country of Bangladesh based on what they are doing,” he said.

Dudu was addressing a public rally organized by a platform named Desh Bachao, Manush Bachao Andolon in front of Jatiya Press Club in protest against persecution and killing of Muslims in India.

“India gave refuge to looters and anti-liberation element Sheikh Hasina who unleashed genocide in Bangladesh,” he said 

Dudu said, Sheikh Hasina has no room in Bangladesh as the nation has driven her out of the country.

“We also defeated HM Ershad. But he did not go to India rather to jail. India says they gave her shelter to protect Hasina. But, actually it’s not a protection,” he said.

Claiming that India has been destabilizing Bangladesh by instigating in various ways, the BNP leader urged all to stay united. 

Dudu claimed Hasina made Bangladesh “a slave of India” in every sense by destroying the electoral system and democracy. 

Noting various conspiracies being hatched to destroy Bangladesh, he urged the current government to complete the necessary reforms as soon as possible and take the initiative to establish a political government.

Dudu condemned indiscriminate killings in Gaza.

BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Abdus Salam, Bangladesh Labor Party Chairman Lion Faruk Rahman, Jagpa Vice President Rashed Bhat, Muktijoddha Dal Organizing Secretary Lion Mia Md. Anwar and Krishak Dal leader SK Sadi also spoke on the occasion presided over by Desh Bachao Manush Bachao Andolan President KM Rakibul Islam Ripon.