BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said the people of the country have already unmasked those who have no political principles or development plan, but are still trying to deceive the nation by selling a 'religion card', reports UNB.
Speaking at the inauguration of BNP's second day of the "Plan to Build the Country" programme, he also said anyone attempting to obstruct the democratic transition or the restoration of voting rights through various tactics will be rejected by the people. "Those who want to enter Jannah (heaven) without any effort should first find out where its bus station is. People understand these things," the BNP leader said.
Salahuddin, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, also said their party is preparing plans for how it will govern the country if voted to power, because, in their view, planning is half the job.
"If you don't plan, you are planning to fail. If we do not prepare a proper plan before running the state, we are actually preparing for failure. I think this message is meant for our friends who are indulging in business using religion," he said.
In a veiled reference to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, the BNP leader said this party leaders claim that anyone voting for their symbol will easily reach paradise.
"But what about survival in this worldly life? They have no guidance on that. Just a few days ago, they even recruited a (Hindu) friend in Khulna. I won't say more about it," he added.
Salahuddin said a party that has no principles, no ideology, no plans--only trying to cheat the nation by selling a 'religion tablet'--the people have already identified them. "Their real face has been exposed."
He said BNP is planning for a modern, democratic, and prosperous Bangladesh and is involving professionals, experts, and citizens in shaping the country's future roadmap.
"BNP's policies and plans are designed for the people's welfare, not for emotional exploitation. We are not here to sell a religious tablet. We must present our plans for economic freedom and public welfare in a simple and clear way so that people understand," the BNP leader said.
Referring to various initiatives by the late President Ziaur Rahman and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia - including literacy campaigns and the Food-for-Education programme - Salahuddin said BNP has a record of implementing transformative national programmes through careful planning.
"First comes policy, then programming, project implementation and monitoring. This is how a state is run, not by making false promises about Heaven," the BNP leader said.
He said BNP's 31-point outline a realistic vision for good governance, democracy, and development, which the party will implement if voted to power.
