Mofizur Rahman Ashik, former Joint Secretary of BNP’s Central Chatradal and a candidate for nomination in Chattogram-16 (Banshkhali), has said that under BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the future state will be governed according to the 31-point charter. He added that implementing the plan would lead the country toward prosperity.
Ashik made the remarks on Saturday (October 11) while distributing leaflets in Banshkhali Upazila Sadar and Miar Bazar to raise public awareness and build support for the 31-point state reform framework announced by Tarique Rahman.
Recalling his ordeal as a victim of enforced disappearance, Ashik said, “While fighting to restore democracy against the autocratic government of Sheikh Hasina, I was abducted twice and held in horrendous places like Ayna Ghar. The government’s forces brutally tortured me, tearing the ligament in my right hand and breaking my hand, waist, and knee. I have survived death numerous times and even participated in the July mass uprising despite these injuries, contributing to Hasina’s eventual downfall.”
He added, “During my abduction, leaders like Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and international human rights organizations supported me, saving my life. After such extreme torture, I still took part in the July uprising and played a crucial role despite my broken waist and knees.”
Addressing the public and party activists, Ashik said, “When the state is in deep crisis, Tarique Rahman announced the 31-point state reform plan, a historic initiative for the people of Bangladesh. This charter is not the program of a political party or alliance; it is a declaration for restoring democratic freedoms. I urge all comrades, citizens, and students to unite in implementing these 31 points.”
He criticized three influential former Banshkhali UP chairmen—Shahadat, Badru, and Jasim Haider—who allegedly insulted Tarique Rahman and held protests demanding his execution. Ashik said it was disappointing that, despite numerous BNP nomination hopefuls, none protested these actions, and arrangements were even made to prevent cases against them after August 5. He emphasized that the loyalty, motivation, and inspiration of BNP’s grassroots come from Tarique Rahman and party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, and failing to protect them would be a betrayal of the party.
Ashik demanded the immediate arrest of the UP chairmen who insulted Tarique Rahman and Khaleda Zia. He also called on the administration to take swift action against Hasina’s repressive forces who tortured BNP and allied leaders. He criticized the lack of legal action against Awami League leader Mujibur Rahman, alleged mastermind of violent attacks during the July uprising, and demanded his prompt arrest.
He further said, “All Awami League leaders involved in killings, torture, and corruption in Banshkhali must be arrested. We have observed a secretive group claiming to promote Islam attacking BNP activists. We warn them to keep Banshkhali peaceful. Any attack on BNP members will be firmly resisted, as the party has the strength to respond.”
Regarding his potential nomination, Ashik said, “If I receive the Dhanshish (rice sheaf) symbol in Banshkhali, I will develop the upazila into a model area with no road problems, corruption, or harassment. I will not engage in unethical activities, misappropriation of flood control funds, or sand extraction. No one will be allowed to encroach on others’ land, and drug trafficking will have no place here.”
The leaflet distribution was attended by several BNP leaders and former student and youth leaders, including Upazila BNP leader Abul Mansur Sikdar, former Central Chhatra Dal member Abul Kalam Azad, former Upazila Jubo Dal Joint Convener Jalal Uddin, former CU Chhatra Dal Joint Secretary Ashek Ullah, Md. Imranul Haque, and Jubo Dal leader Junaidul Karim.
Later in the afternoon, Ashik entered Banshkhali from the Teilardweep Bridge with a convoy of several hundred motorcycles. He visited local markets and public gatherings to seek votes for the Dhanshish symbol. Party activists welcomed him with a rally from Miar Bazar, which proceeded through the upazila town and ended in front of Joldi Kali Bari. He addressed the crowd there and distributed 31-point leaflets after exchanging greetings with party workers.
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