Three Foreign Powers Vying for Dominance: Salahuddin

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed was addressing a discussion held at Dhaka University’s TSC auditorium to mark the sixth death anniversary of Buet student Abrar Fahad.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has warned that Bangladesh is facing growing external pressure, with two regional powers and one global superpower competing to expand their influence in the country — a contest he believes will ultimately harm Bangladesh’s national interests.

“Right now, three powers are competing to establish hegemony here — two regional powers and one global superpower. Each has its own interests, but all three will damage Bangladesh’s interests in the same way,” he said.

The BNP leader made the remarks while addressing a discussion held at Dhaka University’s TSC auditorium to mark the sixth death anniversary of Buet student Abrar Fahad.

Salahuddin described Abrar as a “strong and fearless voice against domination,” saying he sacrificed his life because he opposed foreign interference.

“If he [Abrar] had criticised Sheikh Hasina, he might have been sent to jail. But because he spoke against Indian aggression, he lost his life — that is the lesson from his killing,” he said.

The senior BNP leader linked Bangladesh’s present-day political struggle to the country’s long history of resistance. “Our struggle for democracy did not begin yesterday. It started with the Liberation War of 1971 and continues through the 2024 mass uprising. The foundation of that uprising was built with the blood of martyrs like Abrar,” he said.

He claimed that over 422 students, youths, and BNP activists have sacrificed their lives in the fight for democracy and justice.

“BNP has adopted a clear policy — ‘Bangladesh first.’ This is not just a slogan, it is our state philosophy. Whether in foreign relations, international agreements, or domestic political decisions, this principle will guide us,” Salahuddin added.

He said the party believes Bangladesh’s sovereignty must never be compromised for the sake of external approval or influence. “Our message is simple — we will not be a pawn in the rivalry of powerful nations. We will protect Bangladesh’s independence and dignity at any cost.”

Salahuddin also criticised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing her of enabling foreign powers to interfere in the country’s internal affairs. “Because of a subservient leader like Hasina, both global and regional powers have been able to exercise political influence and aggression in our land,” he alleged.

He urged political leaders and citizens alike to unite for the greater interest of the country, saying, “We do not want to see new sacrifices. But if democracy and independence are once again threatened, we are ready to give our lives. Still, our first duty is to remain united so that such a situation never arises.”

Calling upon young people to prepare themselves with patriotism, moral strength, and knowledge, Salahuddin said, “The youth must lead the nation with honesty, vision, and courage. Politics should be a field of healthy competition — based on merit, integrity, and good leadership, not violence or fear.”

The BNP leader concluded by reaffirming that his party’s commitment is to uphold democracy and national interest above everything else. “No matter how powerful the external forces may be, they cannot determine Bangladesh’s destiny. That right belongs to the people of this country,” he said.