BNP Standing Committee member Hafiz Uddin Ahmed announced that if the BNP returns to power, military training will be made compulsory for all 18-year-olds, particularly students.
He said that this practice is common in several countries, where citizens undergo one to two years of military training.
Hafiz made these remarks as the chief guest at a discussion held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) auditorium on Sunday afternoon.
The event, organised by the Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal, focused on the theme "What Freedom Fighters Should Do in the Current Political Context." Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat, Chairman of Muktijoddha Dal, BNP Chairperson’s Advisor Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, and Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, Joint Member Secretary of AB Party also joined in the discussion.
Hafiz emphasised the simplicity of the hill people and warned against foreign conspiracies to mislead them. He praised the late President Ziaur Rahman for establishing peace in the hills through decisive action and urged neighbouring India not to provoke the hill people with weapons and training.
Hafiz asserted, "All the people of Bangladesh are ready for war."
He further stated that only a government formed by the people can implement the true spirit of the 1971 Liberation War, and that elected representatives are capable of enacting the necessary reforms. Criticising the current interim government, Hafiz questioned its actions, especially its failure to form an effective Election Commission or provide a proper roadmap for reforms. He expressed disappointment over the sheltering of corrupt Awami League officials and police officers within the cantonment.
Hafiz also reflected on the recent political movements, noting that while student protests have been significant, the BNP has been consistently agitating for 17 years against what he termed "Sheikh Hasina's dictatorship."
He emphasised the importance of unity in decision-making, particularly in support of figures like Nobel Laureate Dr Yunus, whom he called a freedom fighter and advocate for revolutionary change.
Addressing the interim government, Hafiz urged them to consult with all parties, including freedom fighters, to prove their strength and legitimacy. He cautioned that corruption is a pervasive issue in Bangladesh and advocated for stronger anti-corruption measures, citing India's law that allows for the removal and imprisonment of a corrupt Prime Minister or President. He called for similar institutional reforms in Bangladesh, suggesting that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) be empowered, with its chairman appointed by a consensus of the Parliament Leader, Opposition Leader, and Chief Justice.
He criticised the government's neglect of those injured in the anti-dictatorship movement, urging the nation to uphold the spirit of the August Revolution and warning against labelling all citizens as "Razakars," which he said has angered people across the country.