Strengthen people, limit state power: Khasru

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said while empowering the people, the power of the state should be limited, report agencies
He warned that excessive state authority can create hardships for citizens and may pave the way for fascism, emphasizing that every citizen must be empowered.
"We want to bring this change in the coming days. In the past, excessive state power had left the people captive, pushing the country into a deep crisis. Today is the time to limit state power and strengthen the people," he said.
He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a event organised by the Chattogram Dhormo Ujjwal Parishad on the Siemens Hostel premises of the National Maritime Academy in Chattogram on Friday, marking the the organization's anniversary.
Amir Khasru also emphasised the importance of religious harmony and social unity.
"Everyone has the right to act freely. We want you to participate in every sector of society and take on leadership roles. I urge women to participate more, take leadership positions, and become stronger. Sustainable development and real change require equal participation of women in all areas," he said.
He added, "We are all one. You should have no doubts or conflicts about this."
Special guests at the event included Captain Ataur Rahman and BNP International Affairs Sub-Committee member Israfil Khasru.
BNP leader and former CCC counsellor Sarfaraj Kader Russel , Roknuddin Mahmud , Trustee of Buddhist Welfare Trust Rubel Barua , Pritom Barua Dhalim, Bipul Chakma , Alo Chakma , Shukarjit Chakma , Jibon Chakma , Robi Chakma , Biddaashay Chakma and Mamuni Chakma, among others, addressed the function.
Meanwhile, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty remained secure specifically because of the leadership of late Begum Khaleda Zia.
He made these remarks while speaking at the inauguration of a three-day photo exhibition organised in memory of the former three-time Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson at Justice Shahabuddin Park in the capital's Gulshan on Friday.
The exhibition, titled 'The Sovereign Legacy of Khaleda Zia,' was organised by the Bogura Media and Cultural Forum, Dhaka.
Speaking as the chief guest, Rizvi criticised the energy policies of the previous administration, specifically highlighting the Rampal power plant project.
He alleged that while the Indian government's planning ministry had cancelled the Jharkhand-based power plant project, the 'fascist' government of the time implemented the controversial project in Bangladesh's Rampal.
Rizvi further claimed that Khaleda Zia was imprisoned and denied medical treatment as part of a calculated plan because she would never have permitted such anti-national projects.